Despite the fact that hundreds of thousands of workers allegedly might be affected and a core constituency might be disgruntled, the Biden administration is insistent on imposing a ban on menthol cigarettes.
In April 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced “proposed product standards to prohibit menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes and prohibit all characterizing flavors (other than tobacco) in cigars.”
“Menthol is a flavor additive with a minty taste and aroma that reduces the irritation and harshness of smoking,” the FDA continued. “This increases appeal and makes menthol cigarettes easier to use, particularly for youth and young adults. Menthol also interacts with nicotine in the brain to enhance nicotine’s addictive effects. The combination of menthol’s flavor, sensory effects and interaction with nicotine in the brain increases the…
