Public Health Groups Renew Legal Fight Against FDA Over Menthol Ban Delays
The lawsuit aims to compel the FDA to finalize rules banning menthol cigarettes, citing public health concerns and disproportionate impact on Black communities.
- Three public health groups have filed a lawsuit against the FDA and HHS for failing to enact a ban on menthol cigarettes, missing a March deadline.
- The delay in banning menthol cigarettes is criticized for political reasons, risking public health and disproportionately affecting Black and LGBTQ+ communities.
- The FDA's inaction is seen as prioritizing tobacco industry profits over people's health, with menthol cigarettes linked to higher addiction and death rates.
- Advocates argue that a menthol ban would save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and address targeted marketing practices harming Black communities.
- The Biden administration faces pressure to act on the menthol ban to fulfill commitments to health equity and the Cancer Moonshot initiative.
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