04:45 PM EDT, 04/26/2024 (MT Newswires) -- The US government has shelved plans to ban methanol cigarettes, with the head of the US Department of Health and Human Services on Friday saying, "it's clear that there are still more conversations to have."

In a statement, the Health Secretary Xavier Becerra said a proposed rule that would have phased out US production and sales of menthol-favored cigarettes and cigars received "historic attention" during a recent public comment period and generating "an immense amount of feedback."

The Health Department was expected to authorize a ban by March 1, but Becerra said Friday the department needed to hear more on the issue before deciding, "and that will take significantly more time."

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