Yesterday, the FDA announced a commitment to creating rules prohibiting the use of menthol in cigarettes and flavorings in cigars. This commitment follows years of research on this important health equity topic and tireless advocacy by organizations including the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council (AATCLC), the Center for Black Health & Equity (formerly the National African American Tobacco Prevention Network), and others. These organizations are working to shed light on and combat decades of the predatory marketing of menthol tobacco products to specific at-risk communities, including people—both adults and children—of color.
Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, MD, stated “Banning menthol—the last allowable flavor—in cigarettes and banning all flavors in cigars will help save lives, particularly among those disproportionately affected by these deadly products. With these actions, the FDA will help significantly reduce youth initiation, increase the chances of smoking cessation among current smokers, and address health disparities experienced by communities of color, low-income populations, and LGBTQ+ individuals, all of whom are far more likely to use these tobacco products.”
The American College Health Association is proud to once again stand with these partner organizations to applaud and support this FDA commitment to prohibit menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. It is both greatly appreciated and long overdue.
On May 5, ACHA joined a coalition of national organizations, organized by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, in a coalition ad that was published in the Washington Post in support of the Biden Administration’s commitment to prohibit menthol cigarettes.
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