U.S. FDA Announces Federal Flavor Ban

Last week was a historic moment for tobacco control and public health with the Biden administration’s announcement of plans to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. This announcement comes on the heels of the 2020 federal lawsuit and calls for equity in tobacco control policy by African American health organizations. The tobacco industry has targeted communities of color, low-income populations, and LGBTQ+ individuals with menthol products for decades. Each year, 45,000 Black Americans die from tobacco-related diseases, and in Colorado, menthol cigarette use among Black Coloradans who smoke is three times that of menthol cigarette use among white Coloradans who smoke. There is strong evidence that a menthol ban will help people quit smoking, which is why accessible tobacco treatment is important. Coloradans seeking support for tobacco use or dependence can receive free, confidential online or phone coaching and patches/gum by enrolling in the Colorado QuitLine. Learn more at www.COQuitLine.org or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW. This ban is just a small step toward eliminating health inequities for Black Coloradans and in reducing the burden of tobacco-related diseases. There is still work to be done to keep this momentum up and attain systemic change and health equity for all. To learn more and stay updated: Colorado Black Health Collaborative’s statement on the menthol ban Saving Black Lives: Promoting Healthy Black Communities Locally & Globally Center for Black Health and Equity: Check out their press conference regarding the menthol ban