FDA announces plans to pursue ban on menthol in cigarettes

Flavored tobacco products, such as menthol, are more appealing to children and young adults, according to the FDA, because they hide the harshness or offensive tastes of tobacco products.

According to the FDA, there are 18.6 million menthol cigarette smokers in the United States. According to the department, 85 percent of Black smokers smoke menthol cigarettes, compared to 30 percent of white smokers.

There are 18.6 million smokers of menthol cigarettes in the U.S., according to FDA. Out of Black smokers, 85 percent smoke menthol cigarettes, compared with 30 percent of white smokers, the agency says.

The FDA estimates the ban would lead more than 920,000 smokers to quit smoking, including 230,000 Black Americans in the first year and a half.

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"Banning menthol—the last allowable flavor—in cigarettes and banning all flavors in cigars will help save lives, particularly among those disproportionately affected by these deadly products," Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock said in a statement.

"The FDA's efforts would aim to significantly minimize youth initiation, raise the likelihood of existing smokers quitting, and tackle health disparities faced by people of color, low-income people, and LGBTQ+ people, all of whom are much more likely to use tobacco products."