Rep. Eshoo Applauds FDA Moving to Ban Menthol Cigarettes and Flavored Cigars

Press Release

Today, U.S. Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18), Chairwoman of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its commitment to advancing two tobacco product standards to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars:

"Smoking kills. It is the leading cause of preventable death and illness in the U.S. Cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths in the U.S. each year and in particular, menthol plays a significant role in addicting kids to cigarettes, especially African American children. We also know that 90% of adult smokers began smoking before they turned 21. If we curb youth smoking and address the racial health disparities of tobacco use by banning flavors, we'll save millions of lives.

"For this reason, I welcome the Biden Administration and the FDA's commitment to prohibit menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars that are polluting the health of a whole new generation of Americans."

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