Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the sale of ZYN flavored nicotine pouches. Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, expressed strong disapproval in response to this decision.
"FDA’s granting of these marketing order to 20 flavored products is a gift to the tobacco industry," Wimmer stated. He further criticized the authorization of flavors such as Zyn Citrus, Zyn Cool Mint, and Zyn Chill, which he described as "kid-appealing."
Wimmer voiced concern over the FDA's approval of these products that have been available illegally until now. "We are extremely disappointed that the FDA authorized these Zyn nicotine pouches – especially since the product has been on the market illegally up until now," he said. He highlighted alarming trends in youth usage and promotional tactics involving influencers and celebrities similar to those used by Juul.
According to Wimmer, a study indicated a 641% increase in sales between 2019 and 2022, despite only 2.9% of U.S. adults having tried nicotine pouches. This suggests significant use among individuals under 21 years old.
Wimmer emphasized that "Zyn is a tobacco product, and no tobacco product is safe." He referenced a 2022 study showing that many nicotine pouch samples contained cancer-causing chemicals alongside other harmful substances like ammonia and formaldehyde.
He also warned about dual use with other tobacco products posing additional risks for both young people and adults.
Wimmer called for rigorous monitoring from the FDA to prevent another epidemic akin to Juul's rise less than ten years ago. "It is now up to state and local governments to act to end the sale of flavored tobacco products if we are to end the tobacco use epidemic, once and for all," he concluded.
