Food and Drug Administration Regulation

In June 2009, the U.S. Congress passed a law that authorizes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate tobacco products. That law applied immediately to cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. FDA may extend its regulatory power at some point to cigars too.

Since then, FDA has been focused on putting this new law into effect.

Currently, the FDA is reviewing the use of menthol in cigarettes, and could impose restrictions on the use of menthol in cigarettes or ban menthol cigarettes altogether. If you are an adult consumer who prefers these products, you may have an interest in following this issue closely, and in sharing your views with FDA or your federal elected representatives as this issue develops.

FDA regulation should be based on sound science and evidence. FDA should consider possible unintended consequences of banning or restricting menthol in cigarettes. For example, bans or restrictions could lead to growth of contraband menthol cigarettes, which can in turn lead to other problems like lower excise tax collections by federal and state governments.

It’s important that adult smokers who prefer menthol cigarettes make their voices heard. The FDA invites the public, including adult tobacco consumers, to provide their point of view.

Information about FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products can be found at http://www.fda.gov/TobaccoProducts/default.htm.  

To voice your opinion on these issues e-mail AskCTP@fda.hhs.gov.  

Stay informed. Remain aware. And share your views on the issues you care about.