FDA Says Menthol Cigarettes Likely Have Health Impact

Lorillard Inc., Altria Group Inc. and other tobacco companies may face limits on selling menthol cigarettes in the U.S. after regulators determined the minty flavoring may encourage people to start smoking.

The Food and Drug Administration, in a preliminary evaluation today, stopped short of proposing a ban. The FDA is instead asking for input on whether to set standards prohibiting or limiting menthol in cigarettes. A panel of advisers to the FDA determined in 2011 that ending menthol sales would benefit public health because the flavor lures people to start smoking.