Menthol Ban Opens Door for FDA to Flex Power Over Big Tobacco

The FDA’s proposals to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars will test its authority to create new product standards for the tobacco industry.

The Food and Drug Administration issued two long-awaited draft standards targeting menthol and other flavored tobacco products that can make smoking harder to quit. The proposals have already deepened tensions between the agency and tobacco manufacturers, who oppose the FDA’s plans.

As the agency works to finalize the proposals—which are then likely to face an industry challenge—it should weigh the public health standard it uses, and analyze the potential for more tobacco products to enter the black ...