It is alleged that, despite the near year-old EU legislation, some tobacco companies have continued to launch extra menthol style products.

The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), applicable in EU member states, imposed a ban on flavoured tobacco products.

The Directive includes measures on e-cigarettes, flavourings, additives and packaging.

Cigarettes and RYO (roll your own) tobacco may no longer have flavours such as menthol, vanilla or candy that mask the taste and smell of tobacco. It is hoped the move will help deter young people from taking up smoking by banning cigarettes with a ‘characterising flavour’ other than tobacco.