Anti-smoking groups have taken legal action against the U.S. government for the prolonged delay in implementing a ban on menthol cigarettes. The ban, which has been awaiting approval at the White House for several months, is aimed at addressing the disproportionate use of menthol cigarettes among Black smokers and young individuals.
The lawsuit, filed by three nonprofit organizations, including Action on Smoking and Health, highlights concerns that the federal plan to ban menthols could be jeopardized by political considerations in an election year. Health officials under President Joe Biden had initially set a target date of August last year to publish the rule eliminating menthol flavor, but the White House later extended the review period until March.
