The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a preliminary report on the health impact of menthol cigarettes that states they may be more addicting and may lure young people to take up smoking.

“FDA has undertaken a thorough review of the available science concerning menthol cigarettes”, the report states. The agency’s review included an independent assessment of a report in 2011 by the FDA’s Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee that concluded removal of menthol cigarettes from the US market would benefit public health.
In a separate advance notice on proposed rule making, the agency invited public comment on potential regulation of menthol cigarettes.
FDA said it was under no time constraints to make a decision on whether to add menthol to the list of characterising tobacco flavours already banned in the US. Its preliminary report states: “Consistent patterns have emerged as a result of FDA’s evaluation of the scientific evidence relevant to the impact of menthol tobacco products on public health. While there is little evidence to suggest that menthol cigarettes are more or less toxic or contribute to more disease risk to the user than non-menthol cigarettes, adequate data suggest that menthol use is likely associated with increased smoking initiation by youth and young adults. Further, the data indicate that menthol in cigarettes is likely associated with greater addiction. Menthol smokers show greater signs of nicotine dependence and are less likely to successfully quit smoking. These findings, combined with the evidence indicating that menthol’s cooling and anaesthetic properties can reduce the harshness of cigarette smoke and the evidence indicating that menthol cigarettes are marketed as a smoother alternative to non-menthol cigarettes, make it likely that menthol cigarettes pose a public health risk above that seen with non-menthol cigarettes.”
Wells Fargo Securities Analyst Bonnie Herzog said the FDA report was positive for the industry as it brings the menthol issue closer to resolution and indicates FDA will make its decision based on science and within the parameters of the Tobacco Control Act.
"We continue to believe the chance of an outright menthol ban is slim", Herzog said in a note to investors.