OTHERWISE: A Lost Opportunity for Public Health — The FDA Advisory Committee Report on Menthol | Health Policy and Reform

OTHERWISE: A Lost Opportunity for Public Health — The FDA Advisory Committee Report on Menthol | Health Policy and Reform

Although some public health groups hailed as a public health victory the release of a report on menthol cigarettes by the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA),¹ close examination of the report and its recommendations reveals that it actually represents a huge victory for Lorillard, the manufacturer of the leading brand of menthol cigarettes (Newport) — and a disappointing setback for the health of black Americans.

Advisers Suggest F.D.A. Limit Menthol Cigarettes - NYTimes.com

Cigarette companies have successfully targeted black smokers

New York times

BUSINESS DAY

Advisers Suggest F.D.A. Review Use of Menthol in Cigarettes

By DUFF WILSON

Published: March 18, 2011

The scientific panel’s findings could provide a legal basis for the F.D.A. to try to limit, phase out or even possibly ban menthol in cigarettes.

80% of Black smoker smoke menthol cigarettes, which have long been the subject of misleading claims by manufacturers who suggest that they are "cool", less dangerous than other cigarettes.