Big Tobacco Flooded FDA with Form Letters to Block Menthol Cigarette Ban

The FDA received approximately 175,000 public comments on a 2022 proposal to ban menthol cigarettes, but nearly all were form letters containing tobacco industry talking points rather than genuine public input. This coordinated campaign represents a significant effort by the tobacco industry to influence federal regulatory decisions that could have protected public health. Menthol cigarettes are particularly addictive and have historically targeted vulnerable populations, contributing to higher smoking rates among African Americans and other communities. The FDA's ability to regulate tobacco products effectively depends on distinguishing authentic public feedback from industry-orchestrated disinformation campaigns.