FDA Mulls Limits on Menthol Cigarettes
Last June, Congress authorized the FDA to regulate tobacco. On Tuesday, the agency took a hard look at menthol cigarettes - which are smoked by more than 18 million adults and 1 million minors in this country.
Some anti-smoking groups believe tobacco companies are using menthol to hook kids and minorities, reports CBS News correspondent Nancy Cordes.
It's the most popular cigarette flavoring by far: menthol. It masks the taste of tobacco, providing what Camel calls a "cool burst."
Smoking may be on the decline, but the rate of menthol use is inching up - from 31 percent of all smokers in 2004 to 34 percent in 2008.
"There are two possible reasons," said Matt Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. "One, menthol is heavily marketed, particularly in African-American neighborhoods. And second, there's a distinct possibility that menthol actually contributes to the ease of starting to smoke, and therefore the number of kids who become addicted."
That's why Congress ordered the FDA's new Center for Tobacco Products to tackle menthol first and recommend whether the ingredient should be restricted or even banned.
"As smokers acclimate to menthol their demand for menthol increases over time," said Joshua Rising of the new Center for Tobacco Products.
A panel of scientists will be looking in particular at menthol use by African-Americans.
More than 75 percent of African-American smokers use menthols. And their rates of lung cancer and heart disease are significantly greater than white smokers.
Studies haven't determined whether menthol makes cigarettes more harmful or more addictive. But the industry still insists the case is closed.
Tobacco giant Lorillard, maker of top selling Newports, told CBS News Tuesday, "It is clear a menthol cigarette is just another cigarette and should be treated no differently."
The FDA tobacco unit is required by law to make recommendations about menthol within the year. And the FDA must propose new regulations by 2012.
