The Biden administration’s delay in finalizing a ban on menthol cigarettes is the result of decades of resistance, delays and industry lobbying, according to former officials and public health advocates.
The White House blew past a self-imposed deadline to finalize the proposal in March after missing a previous deadline in August. Advocates now worry the proposal is shelved amid President Joe Biden’s tough reelection fight against former President Donald Trump.
The Food and Drug Administration has contemplated banning menthol cigarettes since as early as 2013, but concerns around potential heavier policing on menthol smokers, particularly Black smokers, and the opportunity for a new illicit menthol market have so far foiled the proposal.
