British American Tobacco (BAT) is frustrated breaches of the menthol ban are not being duly investigated by the Health Service, reports the Irish Times.

The company has accused the State’s tobacco regulator of not following through properly on the ban as it says competitors are finding loopholes and selling brand new products that may be in breach of the ban on menthol-flavoured tobacco products, according to the Irish Times.
While BAT chose not to bring out a substitute for its menthol products, other companies such as Philip Morris has brought a new product to market aimed at replacing its former Marlboro Green product. Japan Tobacco International launched its Silk Cut Choice Green, which contains traces of menthol but the company says it does not break any rules since it does not taste or smell of menthol
BAT is concerned that the Health Service Executive (HSE) is delaying action when it comes to looking into these new products and fears this may lead to more products potentially in breach of the menthol ban appearing on the market.
According to the Irish Times, authorities in Ireland have suggested the issue be dealt with at European level however, the European Commission says the national governments have the power to oversee action and force products in breach of the ban off the shelves.