FEDS WEIGH RESTRICTIONS ON FLAVORED TOBACCO

The Food and Drug Administration is taking a closer look at flavors in tobacco products that appeal to young people, particularly menthol-flavored cigarettes, which have escaped regulation despite nearly a decade of government scrutiny. Studies have shown the minty flavor appeals more to younger smokers. More than 50% of underage smokers reported smoking menthols in a government survey, vs. 36% of adult smokers. “We need to take every effort to prevent kids from getting hooked on nicotine,” FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said in a statement.