Promising step, but cities should continue to boldly lead the way.
We are pleased to see the FDA’s proposal to finally address the public health problem of menthol, and we look forward to life-saving regulations. In the meantime, localities should continue leading the way in adopting stronger laws to prohibit the sale of ALL flavored tobacco and e-liquids including menthol.
Along with strengthening smokefree protections and providing cessation assistance, addressing menthol is an important evidence-based step to counter decades of tobacco industry targeting of African Americans and youth for tobacco addiction. FDA regulations take time and will likely be subject to Big Tobacco and e-cigarette industry interference for years to come. Local and state laws can take effect quickly and save lives now.
Image via Tobacco Free CA.
