Washington, D.C. – (Friday, April 30, 2021) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is looking at a ban on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars.

In a statement released Thursday, Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock said such actions will help reduce youth smokers and address health disparities experienced in communities of color, low-income populations and the LGBTQ communities.

Health experts have said menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars are highly addicted and are often targeted in specific communities who are already struggling with health challenges.

The FDA says it has no plans to go after individual consumers of the products.  But says the ban would target manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, importers, and retailers.