The Biden administration is reportedly considering forcing cigarette manufacturers to adjust the levels of nicotine in their products to a “non-addictive” or “minimally addictive” level, the
Wall Street Journal
revealed on Monday April 20
.
Read also: New Zealand wants to become the first tobacco-free nation
The White House is also reportedly considering a total ban on menthol products, which have long been seen as a starter for young smokers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which exercises regulatory control over tobacco, must respond by April 29 to a petition from citizens to ban menthol products.
A law passed in 2009 had already banned “candy”, “fruit” and “spice” flavors in cigarettes because of their potential appeal to children.
The FDA estimates that there are more than 19 million menthol cigarette smokers in the United States, the vast majority of whom are African American smokers.