Recently, Zyn nicotine pouches have attracted attention on platforms like TikTok. This popularity has raised alarms among health groups and lawmakers about their appeal to youth. Despite these concerns, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided that Zyn products will stay on the market.
On Thursday, the FDA authorized the marketing of 20 Zyn products after extensive research. They found that the potential benefits of these pouches outweigh the risks to public health. Matthew Farrelly, director of the FDA’s Office of Science, stated that these products could help adults who smoke cigarettes or use smokeless tobacco to switch to a less harmful option.
This announcement follows a recent proposal by the FDA to lower nicotine levels in cigarettes to non-addictive levels. This move aims to encourage more people to quit or reduce their smoking habits. The upcoming Trump administration will decide whether to finalize this rule.
The FDA noted that nicotine pouch use among those under 21 is low. A 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey indicated only 1.8% of middle and high school students reported using nicotine pouches. However, the FDA plans to monitor their marketing and usage among young people closely.
The decision has sparked controversy. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids criticized the FDA, claiming it sets a dangerous precedent that could endanger children. They highlighted the appeal of flavored tobacco products and expressed concern that nicotine pouches are gaining popularity among young people, reminiscent of the e-cigarette crisis with Juul.
On the flip side, some experts see this as a positive development. Cliff Douglas from Global Action to End Smoking praised the FDA’s decision, arguing that with proper marketing restrictions, these products can help reduce health risks while offering smokers safer alternatives.
Zyn, owned by Philip Morris International, offers flavored pouches with varying nicotine content. In the U.S., sales of nicotine pouches surged by 641% from 2019 to 2022. However, a report from Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids raised flags about aggressive marketing on social media targeting younger audiences.
Despite not containing shredded tobacco leaf, some trials show that nicotine pouches can still contain harmful substances. The American Lung Association warns that these pouches may not effectively help people quit smoking, instead continuing their reliance on nicotine products.
Previous warnings from the FDA have targeted retailers for selling Zyn to minors. The company even faced fines for violating local tobacco regulations. With the recent approval, the FDA aims to ensure that advertisements for nicotine pouches target consumers over the age of 21 and that the company will avoid using younger actors in their promotions.
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Source linkFDA,public health,smoking
