NAACP President Derrick Johnson on FDA's Move to Ban Menthol

"We are pleased with the Biden Administration's decision in taking this necessary step to ban menthol-flavored cigarettes. The targeting and marketing of menthol flavoring by the tobacco industry have had a devastating impact on our community. Menthol-flavored cigarettes have induced many children and adults, resulting in lifelong addictions, health challenges, and ultimately killing our loved ones.

Today is a huge win for equity, justice, and public health concerns. When the ban goes into effect, no longer will manufacturers and retailers be able to hide behind the poison that they push. Any enforcement should be placed on the industry and not the victims of predatory marketing practices. The change in policy is long overdue and consistent with the 2009 decision to ban all other flavored cigarettes.

The NAACP has no greater priority than the safety of our communities and tearing down the systems that have been built to oppress us. After fighting against deadly menthol products for decades, today is a victory for Black America." 

President Johnson sent the letter attached to the FDA on April 20th advocating for the ban.

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