FDA delays crackdown on menthol cigarettes

[The Straight Story]

The Food and Drug Administration is extending the public comment period for the agency’s proposed crackdown on menthol cigarettes.

The decision comes over the objections of groups that argue there has been plenty of time to weigh in on the matter.

The FDA announced in July that it was considering new regulations on the products, contending that minty cigarettes could make it easier for people to start smoking — even though there is little evidence to suggest menthol brands pose greater health risks.

A 60-day public comment period meant to help inform the rule-making process is now reaching its conclusion. The agency received requests for an extension from parties who argued that two months is not sufficient time “to develop meaningful and thoughtful responses” to questions raised by the proposal.

Despite competing arguments from groups seeking to move the process forward, the FDA agreed to push the deadline until Nov. 22.



http://thehill.com/blogs/regwatch/healthcare/321305-fda-pushes-comment-deadline-for-menthol-cigarette-regs-

[dixiegrrrrl]

1. Dozens of studies of menthol cigarettes have shown for years

that they are even more dangerous than non-menthol
and that they are a very popular cigarette among African-Amer. population.

I remember reading about this right after I had quit nicotine use.

seem the FDA might have weighed in on those issues between now and back then.