AMA joins suit against US FDA for action to ban menthol cigarettes
American Medical Association (Press Release). September 3, 2020. https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/press-releases/american-medical-association-ama-joins-lawsuit-against-fda The American Medical Association (AMA) today joined the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council (AATCLC) and Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) as co-plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“Menthol cigarettes have killed thousands of Americans, particularly African Americans, in the time the FDA has delayed action. This is more than a policy oversight; these are people’s lives. The FDA needs to take immediate action to ban menthol and protect people from these deadly products,” said Kelsey Romeo-Stuppy, Managing Attorney at ASH USA.
Note: California just passed legislation banning flavored cigarettes, including menthol cigarettes. Future action by other states and the US FDA are likely since flavored products are sold to promote smoking initiation and are known to add to the harms of tobacco use.
by : Stephen Hamann
