The Los Angeles Times on why the FDA must ban the sale of menthol of cigarettes: “Menthol hides the harsh taste of tobacco and as a result is popular with young and underage users ... Smoking is an addictive and dangerous habit, and while the FDA lacks the authority to ban tobacco use outright, it has the right — and indeed the responsibility — to make it less attractive and less accessible to young people."

We strongly support prohibiting the sale of menthol cigarettes and urge the FDA to move forward urgently with its plan to do so. This is one of the strongest steps the FDA can take to further reduce smoking and save lives. The evidence is clear: Menthol cigarettes lead to increased smoking initiation among youth and young adults, greater addiction and decreased success in quitting smoking.

The FDA’s plan to restrict sales of flavored e-cigarettes in convenience stores and gas stations is a positive step, but doesn’t go far enough. To reverse the epidemic of youth e-cigarette use, the FDA needs to stop the sale of all flavored products that have not been subject to public health review. Read our statement with public health partners: https://www.tobaccofreekids.org/press-releases/2018_11_09_fda_flavors