FDA Tobacco Guidance Gives Cigar Industry a Special Break

Statement of American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Wimmer in response to new FDA tobacco guidance and how it applies to cigars:

“The Trump Administration’s new guidance that will allow thousands of flavored e-cigarettes to remain on the market also gives the cigar industry a special break. The FDA previously stated it would prioritize removing flavored cigars that appeal to kids and are on the market illegally. They have since reversed course to allow flavored cigars to continue being sold prior to premarket review. 

“Cigars cause death and disease, including COPD, heart disease and cancer. While e-cigarettes are the most popular tobacco product among kids and teens, cigars are the most commonly used tobacco product among African American youth, according to a recent CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

“While we are pleased that FDA says they are working toward a proposed rule to prohibit flavors in all cigars, the timing of such rule is unknown. In the meantime, FDA should not delay enforcement, otherwise vulnerable populations will be at even higher risk. Failing to remove menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars from the marketplace means the FDA continues to fail to enforce the law and protect the health of all Americans.”

Learn more about e-cigarettes and lung health at Lung.org/ecigs. For media interested in speaking with an expert about e-cigarettes, tobacco use and lung health, contact Stephanie Goldina at the American Lung Association at [email protected] or 312-801-7629.