F.D.A. Authorizes First Menthol Vape Cigarettes

The Food and Drug Administration has announced the approval of the first menthol-flavored e-cigarettes in the United States. This decision comes shortly after the Biden administration postponed a crucial ruling on whether to ban traditional menthol cigarettes.

The F.D.A. has given the green light to four menthol-flavored e-cigarettes produced by NJOY, a subsidiary of Altria. These are now the first flavored e-cigarettes that can be legally sold in the country. The agency stated that these products could be beneficial for adult smokers looking to switch to a less harmful alternative.

However, public health advocates have strongly criticized this move, expressing concerns about the appeal of e-cigarettes and flavored tobacco products to young individuals.

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids highlighted data from the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey, revealing that a significant portion of high school students using e-cigarettes opt for illicit menthol-flavored varieties, which are readily available in gas stations and convenience stores.

In response to the F.D.A.’s decision, Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, expressed confusion, questioning the shift in stance given the agency’s previous findings on the appeal of flavored e-cigarettes to youth. Similarly, Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, criticized the authorization of menthol-flavored e-cigarettes with high nicotine levels.

The F.D.A. emphasized that while the approved menthol e-cigarettes are not deemed “safe,” they acknowledge the potential benefits for adult smokers. The agency remains wary of the risks posed by e-cigarettes and flavored tobacco products, especially among young people.

Matthew Farrelly, Director of the Office of Science at the F.D.A.’s Center for Tobacco Products, defended the decision based on a thorough scientific review that weighed the benefits for adult smokers against youth risks.

The F.D.A.’s ruling follows a delay in reviewing a proposed ban on traditional menthol cigarettes, a divisive issue that has garnered significant attention and lobbying efforts from various stakeholders.

Supporters of the ban argue that it could save lives and reduce the risk of lung cancer, particularly among Black smokers who are disproportionately impacted by menthol cigarette usage. However, opposition to the ban has raised concerns about potential consequences such as increased smuggling and law enforcement targeting.

The F.D.A.’s proposal, initially put forward in May 2022, aligns with President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, emphasizing the role of smoking in cancer-related deaths. Following extensive feedback and discussions, the administration decided to postpone the ban for further evaluation.

The ongoing debate underscores the complex considerations surrounding tobacco regulation and public health policies, highlighting the need for continued dialogue and examination of the potential impacts of such decisions.