The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized Zyn nicotine pouches for sale as a tool to quit smoking cigarettes. The decision allows 10 flavors, including mint, coffee, and menthol, to remain on the market. Zyn’s products have been popular among US adults for over a decade.
Nicotine pouches emit nicotine between the gum and lips, similar to traditional anti-smoking methods like patches or gum. They are similar to snus, an oral smokeless tobacco product primarily used in Norway and Sweden. However, unlike snus, Zyn’s products do not contain tobacco and are permitted in the US.
The FDA says that while nicotine pouches may be less harmful than other forms of nicotine and tobacco, they are not safe for everyone. The agency notes that there is no evidence of widespread youth use among teens, with less than 2% of American students using pouches last year.
FDA Commissioner’s statement also emphasizes that “there is no safe tobacco product” and warns against the use of tobacco products by young people and non-users. Despite this, the approval marks an important step forward for nicotine pouches as a quit-smoking tool.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8p9885p4wo