FDA Plans to Ban Menthol Cigarettes, Citing Minority Impact (2)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has moved to ban the sale of menthol cigarettes, citing their disproportionate effect on the health of African Americans.

The decision infuriated tobacco companies but delighted anti-tobacco activists and public-health advocates.

In its announcement Thursday, the FDA said it’s “working toward issuing proposed product standards within the next year to ban menthol” as a flavor in cigarettes. It also plans to ban all flavors, including menthol, in cigars. The agency will allow an opportunity for public comment, and a ban would likely take years to take effect.

“Banning menthol -- the last allowable flavor ...