In a push against the tobacco industry, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf spearheads a campaign to secure backing for a proposed ban on menthol cigarettes.
Adam Cancryn and David Lim reports for Politico.
In short:
- Califf is privately urging allies to lobby the White House to ban menthol cigarettes, fearing political repercussions.
- The ban would eliminate a leading cause of cancer, especially affecting young people and minorities.
- Delays in White House approval raise concerns that political considerations might outweigh public health urgency.
Key quote:
“Prohibiting menthol in cigarettes would mean over 18.5 million menthol cigarette smokers ages 12 and older in the United States would have a better shot at quitting.”
— Robert Califf, the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration
Why this matters:
The ban on menthol cigarettes could reduce smoking-related diseases and deaths.
People puffing e-cigs are more likely to have heart attacks, strokes and depression.
