Menthol ban in Tobacco products: Health Canada

The proposed flavour ban would apply to 95 percent of the entire tobacco market, said the new press release issued by the federal government on Friday afternoon.

In May the smoking rates among the youth was discussed and steps to reduce it was sought in various discussions. After a month long consultation, accepting stakeholders comments, the Health Canada came up to this decision.

The news release mentioned that majority of the stakeholders were supportive of the ban in the use of the menthol flavouring in tobacco products.

The proposed bill according to Health Canada would be published in the Canada Gazette for a 75 day public comment. Young and old Canadians are encouraged to send their feedback on the proposed ban.

Earlier the government has banned other flavouring additives like chocolate and bubblegum in tobacco products.

Dr. Charlie Brown, who works with youth rehabilitation says, “Menthol enriched tobacco gives the youth a chance to experiment with smoking.”

He adds, “The best part of flavoured cigarettes or cigars is that you get harmed with the tobacco but the fumes will not let anyone understand that you smoked. It is kind of a camouflaging act.”

The news release reveals new data shows that  a “significant” number of young people smoke menthol cigarettes.

Health Minister Jane Philpot quoted in the news release, “Every year, tens of thousands of Canadians die from preventable diseases that can be directly linked to smoking,”

“Research shows that the best way to prevent these deaths is to stop people from smoking in the first place, especially when they’re young, “she adds.

The release informed that the health minister is scheduled to host a forum in the beginning of 2017 to discuss how tobacco consumption could be controlled in the coming future.

(Reporting by Debarati Mukherjee)