FDA allows Zyn pouches to be marketed as less harmful than cigarettes

The FDA allows Zyn pouches to be marketed as less harmful than cigarettes after authorizing modified-risk claims for the nicotine pouch brand. The agency said Tuesday it will allow Swedish Match, the Stockholm-based company behind Zyn and owned by Philip Morris International, to market 10 flavors as modified-risk products. These flavors have been authorized for U.S. sale since January 2025 and are the first nicotine pouches approved to carry a modified risk claim. The FDA will permit marketing in two nicotine strengths, 3 mg and 6 mg, with messaging that “using ZYN instead of cigarettes” lowers risks including mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. An FDA official said the review aims to provide adults clear, science-based information. Health groups criticized the decision, citing youth appeal, flavored product uptake, and survey data reported by the American Lung Association.