NEW : `` Ethnicity does not play a role '' in marketing strategies , tobacco official says . Tobacco industry calls menthol cigarettes `` no more harmful than non-menthol cigarettes '' Critics claim the menthol flavor makes them more addictive . By MICHAEL ROSTON and EMILY SWANSON DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS
NEW : `` Ethnicity does not play a role '' in marketing strategies , tobacco official says . Tobacco industry calls menthol cigarettes `` no more harmful than non-menthol cigarettes '' Critics claim the menthol flavor makes them more addictive . FDA panel is hearing arguments from public health and tobacco industry officials .