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Sarah Johnson
The FDA reportedly plans to develop new standards for tobacco products within the next year to ban menthol cigarettes as well as cigars with any flavouring. According to a press release, the agency's decision is based on a number of scientific studies that prove that the new measures will significantly "healthify" the US population.
The FDA cites research showing that menthol and other flavourings "increase the attractiveness of the smoking process and contribute to a more rapid onset of the harmful habit and subsequent addiction, particularly among young people".
Another study shows that banning menthol cigarettes in the United States would result in about 923,000 smokers quitting. Also, some researchers note that the new measures could prevent at least 630,000 deaths.
Earlier it was reported that the FDA was to make a decision on 29 April in response to a petition on whether to ban menthol cigarettes. It was also deciding whether to ban menthol cigarettes or impose a mandatory requirement to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes, or take both measures at once.
It was noted that both measures could take years to implement, with the authorities likely to face legal challenges.
source: reuters.com
The FDA cites research showing that menthol and other flavourings "increase the attractiveness of the smoking process and contribute to a more rapid onset of the harmful habit and subsequent addiction, particularly among young people".
Another study shows that banning menthol cigarettes in the United States would result in about 923,000 smokers quitting. Also, some researchers note that the new measures could prevent at least 630,000 deaths.
Earlier it was reported that the FDA was to make a decision on 29 April in response to a petition on whether to ban menthol cigarettes. It was also deciding whether to ban menthol cigarettes or impose a mandatory requirement to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes, or take both measures at once.
It was noted that both measures could take years to implement, with the authorities likely to face legal challenges.
source: reuters.com
