The FDA has announced a plan to ban sales of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars in efforts protect public health and, though it may take a while to go into effect, Jefferson County's health officer believes the plan will save thousands of lives.
The FDA said Thursday that product standards are projected to be unveiled in 2022.
After that, a smooth rule-making process still requires the FDA to submit its proposal, receive comments, consider comments and prepare a final proposal, âwhich could be a multi-year process,â RBC Capital Markets analyst Nik Modi said.
Thatâs not counting expected multiple rounds of lawsuits, some of which could advance to the U.S. Supreme Court to resolve.
The FDA has said 30% of all adult smokers and more than 40% of all youth smokers consume a menthol style. About 85% of Black smokers prefer menthol flavoring, compared with 30% of white smokers, the agency said.