The manufacturer of ZYN nicotine pouches may tell consumers that its products are safer to use than cigarettes, the The Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday.
The agency allowed Swedish Match USA, Inc., part of Philip Morris International, to state that 20 of its ZYN products “put you at a lower risk of oral cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema and chronic bronchitis” than cigarettes.
It has long been clear that burning tobacco in cigarettes is toxic and can cause cancer, heart disease and other illnesses. Nicotine is the substance in cigarettes that makes them so addictive.
Nicotine pouches – which users slip between their lips and gums before throwing them away – can contain up to 6 milligrams of nicotine. They are not approved by the FDA as nicotine replacement products used to help quit smoking.
The change applies to certain ZYN flavors, such as fresh mint, citrus, coffee and cinnamon, in 3-milligram and 6-milligram strengths.
Fruity flavors known to be loved by children, such as black cherry and peach, are not included.
Last week, the FDA’s annual report National Youth Tobacco Survey found that 1.7% of middle and high school students reported using nicotine pouches in 2025, with more than one in six children reporting using them daily. ZYN was the most popular nicotine pouch brand.
Mike Seilback, assistant vice president of national advocacy and state public policy at the American Lung Association, called the decision “appalling.”
“The Lung Association calls on the FDA to reverse this action,” Seilback said in an emailed statement. “We must protect our children from constant nicotine consumption. »
The FDA authorization requires Swedish Match USA to study how its customers perceive the risks associated with their products over the next five years. It also states that if the FDA sees a significant increase in the number of children using these products, the agency could reverse the trend.
