FDA’s Plan to Ban Flavored Cigars Draws Industry’s Resistance

The FDA has yet to finalize its plan to wipe flavored cigars off store shelves, but it’s under heavy pressure from some industry groups to scrap the rule originally due by the end of the year.

The agency’s proposed rule (RIN 0910-AI28) is in its last review stages at the Office of Management and Budget. If finalized, the rule would prohibit the sale of cigars characterized as having flavors other than tobacco, such as strawberry, grape, cocoa, and fruit punch, thereby reducing the appeal of cigars to youth and young adults, according to the FDA.

The cigar industry ...