The delay in banning menthol cigarettes in the United States "is costing a greater death and disease in the entire community, but particularly in the Black community," an anti-smoking NGO warns as President Joe Biden's administration is due to greenlight a federal rule banning the sale of mint-flavored smokes. Due to targeted marketing throughout the 20th century, around eight in 10 African American smokers consume menthol cigarettes, compared with three in 10 white smokers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2022 released draft plans for axing the production and sale of menthol cigarettes. The rule was due to be finalized last year, before being stalled until at least March. "It's just time for the Biden administration to act," urges Yolonda Richardson, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES