FDA to issue plan banning menthol in cigarettes

The U.S. government on Thursday laid out its long-awaited plan to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, which have taken a disproportionate toll on Black smokers and other minorities.

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf previewed the announcement in congressional testimony, saying the proposal would reduce disease and death by helping current smokers quit and stopping younger people from starting.

The FDA has attempted several times to get rid of menthol but faced pushback from Big Tobacco, members of Congress and competing political interests under both Democratic and Republican administrations.

The FDA also seek to ban menthol and dozens of over sweet and fruity flavors from small cigars, which are increasingly popular with young people. The agency's proposals on both cigarettes and cigars will only be initial drafts.

FDA will take comments before issuing final rules, which then could face years of legal challenges from tobacco companies.