Cardiologists join the FDA’s fight against menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars
The American College of Cardiology (ACC), Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC), American Heart Association (AHA) and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) are just some of the healthcare organizations supporting efforts by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prohibit menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars.
In a new ad campaign featured in such news outlets as the New York Times, Washington Post and Politico, the groups wrote that the FDA has their full support.
“For decades, Big Tobacco has targeted black Americans, kids and other communities with menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, profiting at the expense of lives and health,” according to the ad. “By advancing rules to prohibit these flavored tobacco products, the FDA is taking historic action to save lives and protect future generations from addiction.”
The ad was paid for by Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund. It can be viewed here.
More on the FDA’s proposal to prohibit menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars
The FDA’s proposed plan, originally shared with the public on April 28, would stop “all characterizing flavors” other than tobacco, including menthol, from being used in cigars.
“The authority to adopt tobacco product standards is one of the most powerful tools Congress gave the FDA and the actions we are proposing can help significantly reduce youth initiation and increase the chances that current smokers quit,” FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, MD, a practicing cardiologist, said at the time. “It is clear that these efforts will help save lives. Through the rulemaking process, there’s an important opportunity for the public to make their voices heard and help shape the FDA’s ongoing efforts to improve public health.”
“The proposed rules would help prevent children from becoming the next generation of smokers and help adult smokers quit,” added Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra.
The FDA emphasized that it will not be penalizing individuals for the possession or use of menthol cigarettes or flavored cigars. This proposal, if finalized, would only address “manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, importers and retailers who manufacture, distribute, or sell such products within the U.S. that are not in compliance with applicable requirements.”
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Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.