HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 10262010 - SD.5RECOMMENDATION(S):
ADOPT Resolution No. 2010/543 in support of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (US
FDA) banning menthol in cigarettes and flavoring in other tobacco products, as
recommended by Supervisor Gioia.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND:
Menthol-flavored cigarettes currently account for 25 percent of cigarette sales in the United
States. An overwhelming majority of menthol smokers are from minority populations,
which are specifically targeted by the tobacco industry in its advertising and marketing
campaigns.
The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, signed into law in June 2009,
APPROVE OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
Action of Board On: 10/26/2010 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
Clerks Notes:
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
AYE:John Gioia, District I
Supervisor
Gayle B. Uilkema, District II
Supervisor
Susan A. Bonilla, District IV
Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V
Supervisor
ABSENT:Mary N. Piepho, District III
Supervisor
Contact: Luz Gomez, 510 374
3231
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: October 26, 2010
David J. Twa, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: June McHuen, Deputy
cc:
SD. 5
To:Board of Supervisors
From:John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Date:October 26, 2010
Contra
Costa
County
Subject:A Resolution to Support the Food and Drug Administration Banning Menthol in Cigarettes and Flavoring in
Other Tobacco Products
gave the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate tobacco
products. The law made the sale of most flavored cigarettes illegal but exempted
menthol-flavored cigarettes. However, the law provides that the FDA may create future
regulations banning or
BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)
restricting the use of menthol in cigarettes. The FDA is currently reviewing information
about menthol cigarettes and deciding what, if any, action to take.
FDA’s ban on certain characterizing flavored cigarettes highlights the importance of
reducing the number of children who start to smoke, and who become addicted to
dangerous tobacco products.
The Tobacco Industry has a well-documented history of developing and marketing
mentholated brands to racial and ethnic minorities and to youth. The court’s findings in
the United State vs, Philip Morris illustrate that tobacco companies:
• Marketed menthol cigarettes as “healthier”.
• Used menthol cigarettes as “starter products” directed at youth;
• Actively pursued the development of a significant market for menthol in minority
communities, particularly African Americans.
The FDA has already banned other “candy” flavors because they were considered starter
products for youth but menthol was exempted.
Tobacco companies have a vested interest in keeping menthol legal because it makes
products palatable.
FDA will decide what to do about menthol next year.
We have an opportunity to make our voice heard.
Once passed, this resolution will be submitted to the FDA and other officials to urge them
to act in accordance with their authority under the law.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
The U.S. FDA would not receive this resolution urging them to use their authority to
promote public health.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
This resolution mentions the fact that tobacco companies use flavorings such as menthol
as a marketing tool to attract young customers. The resolution affirms Contra Costa
County's commitment to the health and well-being of its residents, especially with respect
to preventing tobacco use among youth.
CLERK'S ADDENDUM
Speaker: Julie Waters, American Lung Association, CCC Tobacco Coalition.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution No. 2010/543
Resolution No. 2010_543