Today, the Vapor Technology Association (VTA) submitted official comments to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in support of the FDA's proposed tobacco product standard banning menthol-flavored cigarettes and strongly encouraged the FDA to continue to build the necessary offramp to menthol and flavored vaping products for smokers to access effective smoking alternatives. VTA Executive Director Tony Abboud issued a statement summarizing the filing:
"The menthol cigarette rule could be one of the most significant steps that the FDA has taken to protect public health in the United States. It has the potential to dramatically reduce cigarette smoking - the leading cause of death and disease of Americans - but only if the Agency heeds the warning of scientists that menthol smokers must have access to less harmful vaping and other alternative nicotine products. Without that, the rule threatens to turn what should be a public health victory into a weak half measure that, in the absence of other decisive action from the FDA, will fall far short of the benefits the Agency claims.
"FDA's own proffered scientific experts acknowledge that at least 50%, and in some cases a larger percentage, of smokers will continue to smoke cigarettes or other combustible products after the menthol cigarette rule is put into effect unless provided access to effective alternatives. To fulfill its own harm reduction mission, the agency must use its PMTA process to ensure a rational, regulated legal marketplace with suitable, less harmful non-combustible alternatives."
ABOUT VTA
The Vapor Technology Association is the U.S. industry trade association whose members are dedicated to innovating and selling high-quality vapor products that provide adult smokers with a better alternative to combustible cigarettes. VTA represents the industry-leading manufacturers of vapor devices, e-liquids, and flavorings, as well as the distributors and retailers, including hardworking American mom-and-pop brick-and-mortar retail store owners.
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Original Source: Vapor Technology Association Submits Comments in Favor of FDA Menthol Ban for Combustible Tobacco
