A rule that would have prohibited menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars has now reportedly been withdrawn by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), putting an official stop to a policy that had been postponed indefinitely during the administration of Vice President Joe Biden.
On January 21, 2016, President Trump’s second day in office, a regulatory filing revealed that the regulation had been “withdrawn” from consideration.
The decision is a huge setback for public health organizations, which have stated that the prohibition of menthol may potentially save the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, particularly among people of African descent who smoke.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declined to comment, citing a recently issued temporary prohibition on public communication as the reason.
A prohibition on the use of menthol had been in the works for more than a decade, spanning various administrations, but it was successfully thwarted at virtually every point.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finally suggested one in the year 2022, but the goal date for a final rule was repeatedly pushed back.
It was on the verge of announcing a final regulation in the spring of last year, but the administration of Vice President Joe Biden decided to postpone its plans indefinitely before the election in November.
This decision was made in response to intense pressure from tobacco firms and certain civil rights organizations who warned of a backlash among African-American voters.
Following dozens of meetings with various stakeholders, including lobbyists from the tobacco business, advocates for public health, organizations affiliated with the industry, and civil rights organizations, the Office of Management and Budget decided to delay the implementation of the plan.
Since the beginning of time, the tobacco business has been accused of specifically targeting the Black community, particularly with regard to menthol products.
According to figures provided by the federal government, around 85 percent of people who smoke cigarettes are of African descent.
Advocates for public health and those who are against tobacco have expressed their regret over what they see to be a lost opportunity following the official revocation of the rule.
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