Biden postpones menthol cigarette ban due to strong public backlash

President Biden’s administration is facing backlash after announcing the delay of the menthol cigarette ban, a move that has sparked widespread opposition. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra made the announcement on Friday, citing the need for more time to consider feedback on the proposed ban.

The ban, which was drafted by Food and Drug Administration officials, was expected to prevent hundreds of thousands of smoking-related deaths over the next 40 years. However, the decision to delay the implementation of the ban has drawn criticism from health advocates and anti-smoking groups.

Menthol cigarettes are particularly popular among Black smokers, with about 80% of Black smokers preferring menthols. The FDA has stated that menthol masks the harshness of smoking, making it easier to start and harder to quit. Additionally, most teenagers who smoke cigarettes prefer menthol flavors.

The delay in implementing the ban has been met with disappointment and frustration from advocates who believe that the decision prioritizes politics over public health. Yolonda Richardson of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids called the delay a betrayal of Black lives, especially considering the disproportionate impact of smoking-related illnesses on Black Americans.

Despite the delay, the FDA remains committed to banning menthol cigarettes, with an agency spokesperson reaffirming that the issue remains a top priority. However, the decision to postpone the ban has raised concerns about the influence of the tobacco industry and the potential consequences of further delaying measures to reduce smoking-related illnesses and deaths.