Biden Administration Postpones Decision on Menthol Cigarette Ban Once More | Healthiest Communities
Biden administration delays decision on potential menthol cigarette ban, citing need for more time and feedback
The Biden administration’s decision to delay a potential menthol cigarette ban has sparked controversy and disappointment among public health advocates, who argue that the move prioritizes politics over lives.
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra announced on Friday that more time is needed to consider the proposed ban, citing the significant amount of feedback received during the public comment period. This delay comes after years of anticipation for a federal ban on menthol-flavored cigarettes, which are disproportionately used by the Black community in the U.S.
Proponents of the ban argue that tobacco companies have targeted Black communities with menthol cigarette advertising, and research shows that 80% of Black smokers in the U.S. used menthols in 2020. The FDA estimates that up to 654,000 deaths tied to smoking could be avoided over 40 years, including up to 238,000 deaths among African Americans, if menthol cigarettes were unavailable in the U.S.
However, opponents of the ban, including some civil rights and racial justice advocates, argue that it would disproportionately impact and criminalize people of color. The delay in implementing the ban has led to frustration among advocacy groups, with some filing a lawsuit against the Biden administration in an attempt to force officials to finalize the ban.
Laurent Huber, executive director of Action on Smoking and Health, criticized the administration’s decision, stating that the tobacco industry’s arguments against the ban have prevailed over public health. Yolonda Richardson, president and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, also condemned the delay, accusing the administration of prioritizing politics over lives.
The Biden administration’s decision to further delay the menthol cigarette ban has reignited the debate over the public health implications of flavored tobacco products and the need for decisive action to protect vulnerable communities.
