Smokers do not face more risks of tobacco-related disease from menthol cigarettes than unflavored cigarettes, says the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a preliminary report.

However, the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee, which is charged with making recommendations on menthol products to the agency, said that menthol may mask the harshness of smoking and could be more attractive to young smokers.
According to the report there is insufficient evidence to show that menthol increases smoke inhalation, exposure to nicotine or disease risk. The comments were posted yesterday on the FDA website in two draft chapters of a report the panel must submit by 23 March.
Analysts say the results are in line with expectations and echo what panel members had said in prior public meetings.
The FDA advisers’ non-binding report is required by a 2009 law that restricts tobacco marketing and bars cigarette makers from adding flavors such as clove or strawberry. An FDA conclusion that menthol cigarettes are more dangerous than unflavored versions may lead to a ban. (pi)