The FDA will allow 20 types of ZYN nicotine pouch products to be marketed as less harmful than cigarettes, the agency announced Tuesday. The Philip Morris-owned ZYN products can now use the following risk modification claim: “Using ZYN instead of cigarettes puts you at a lower risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.”
The tobacco-free ZYN nicotine pouches can be placed between the lip and gum, allowing the nicotine to absorb through oral tissue into the bloodstream. The new risk modification claim can be applied to select flavors of the product, including cinnamon, peppermint and citrus.
The shift has raised concerns among public health experts, who worry about children who don’t smoke cigarettes developing nicotine addictions. The ZYN pouches are becoming increasingly popular among youth. AAPP stands with these public health experts, pediatricians, and other health care professionals in opposing this action and instead supporting policies that reduce access to nicotine-containing products among teens and adolescents including flavored vaping products that increase youth appeal.