FDA panel finds ban on menthol cigarettes would ‘benefit the public health’ - The Washington Post: ...Menthol cigarettes are used by about 80 percent of black smokers, infusing the debate with questions about race.
The panel found that tobacco companies have advertised menthol brands heavily in black communities and that the targeting has paid off. “The evidence is sufficient to conclude that menthol cigarettes are disproportionately marketed per capita to African Americans” the panel found. “Consistent with these targeted marketing efforts, menthol cigarettes are disproportionately smoked by African American smokers.”
William S. Robinson, executive director of the National African American Tobacco Prevention Network, said when Congress banned flavorings that help addict young smokers, menthol should have been included.
