- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized four new flavored nicotine pouches from Helix Innovations LLC, sold under the "on!" brand, including cappuccino, autumn spice, and rich berry flavors.
- Health organizations, including the American Heart Association and American Lung Association, criticized the FDA's decision, stating it disregards decades of evidence on the tobacco industry's use of flavored products to attract and addict youth.
- Nicotine pouches don’t have tobacco – which is linked to cancer – but nicotine itself is a highly addictive chemical can harm brain development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. And long-term use can lead to permanent damage to lung tissue, stroke and heart disease , the American Lung Association explains.
- This authorization follows the FDA's earlier issuance of modified risk orders for ZYN nicotine pouches, allowing them to be marketed with claims of lower health risks compared to cigarettes, a decision also met with strong criticism from health advocates.
- Despite industry assurances of strict age verification, an FDA survey revealed that 1.7 percent of middle and high school students reported using nicotine pouches last year.
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