Overview

• 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.