Why proposed US ban on menthol cigarettes is controversial

WASHINGTON DC — In a major blow to the tobacco industry, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has moved to ban the sale of mint- avoured cigarettes.

Public health and civil rights groups have lobbied vigorously for the ban, citing the disproportionate harms of menthol cigarettes on black Americans.

But critics fear prohibition could give rise to clandestine sales, and more confrontations with law enforcement.

The proposed ban would a ect more than a third of US cigarette purchases.

A nal decision though will take months — and possibly years — to implement.

The FDA's announcement on Thursday marked the agency's deadline to respond to a federal lawsuit from public health groups seeking the ban.

Citing several studies on menthol’s adverse e ects, acting FDA commissioner Janet Woodcock said outlawing the avour could "help save lives" and "address health disparities experienced by communities of colour, low-income populations, and LGBTQ+ individuals, all of whom are far more likely to use these tobacco products".