Fruity-Flavored Smokes Forbidden Under New Crackdown on Tobacco

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New Law Bans Flavored Cigarettes

Anyone selling cigarettes flavored with cloves, fruit – anything but menthol – is a criminal under a ban that marks the first assault in a new war on tobacco.

The law, enacted this summer and kicking in today, directs the FDA to crack down on candy and fruit-flavored cigarettes that public health officials say turn children into life-long nicotine addicts.

"These flavored cigarettes are a gateway for many children and young adults to become regular smokers," FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg told reporters.

The FDA has sent a letter to tobacco companies warning the agency will take action against those who continue to make, distribute or sell flavored cigarettes in violation of the law. Border agents have been instructed to block imports of flavored cigarettes.



In this photo made Aug. 18, flavored cigarettes are on display at a tobacco store in Richmond, Va. The new filtered cigars -- close to the size of a cigarette and flavored with clove, vanilla and cherry -- allow Kretek International Inc., which imports Djarum-brand tobacco products from Indonesia, to avoid new federal laws banning flavored cigarettes other than menthol. (Steve Helber/AP Photo)