Altria’s Menthol E-Cigs Get FDA Nod as Menthol Debate Continues

The US Food and Drug Administration said Friday it’s allowing tobacco giant Altria Group Inc. to market four different menthol-flavored e-cigarettes, just two months after the Biden administration <-bsp-bb-link state="{"bbDocId":"SCKDI6T0AFB5","_id":"00000190-3bc9-d497-a7fb-ffcd78d90001","_type":"0000016b-944a-dc2b-ab6b-d57ba1cc0000"}">controversially delayed making a decision about banning menthol cigarette sales.

The products, marketed under Altria’s NJOY brand, are the first e-cigarettes to be <-bsp-bb-link state="{"bbDocId":"SFFQK2MB2SJM","_id":"00000190-3bc9-d497-a7fb-ffcd78d90002","_type":"0000016b-944a-dc2b-ab6b-d57ba1cc0000"}">approved that aren’t tobacco flavored. Before Friday, questions had been looming around whether the FDA would ever approve an e-cigarette with a flavor besides tobacco. The move will also help Atria diversify its business.

“The FDA’s authorization of four of Altria’s NJOY brand menthol-flavored e-cigarettes can aid the company’s ...