US Study: Inadequate Nicotine Pouch Packaging Sparks Concerns Over Child Safety

Key Points:

·From 2020 to 2023, cases of nicotine poisoning in children under 6 increased by 760%. 

·The new type of nicotine pouch has been shown to increase the likelihood of serious medical consequences by five times. 

·Although the FDA has approved certain nicotine pouches for sale as "reduced harm products," criticism continues.

·Experts are calling for restrictions on nicotine pouch flavors and for strengthening child safety measures.

【2Firsts News Flash】According to a report from Newstarget on July 15th, a new study has shown that cases of poisoning among children under the age of 6 due to ingestion of nicotine pouches increased by a staggering 760% between 2020 and 2023. These non-tobacco nicotine products, some of which have been FDA approved, are five times more likely to result in serious medical consequences compared to other nicotine products.

These nicotine pouches often come with enticing sweet flavors and unique designs, dissolving in between the lips and gums. Brands like ZYN, Velo, and Rush are popular among adults as they offer a smoke-free nicotine alternative. However, their appealing flavors and discreet packaging make them resemble candy to children. Studies have shown that although nicotine pouches account for only 1.4% of all nicotine intake, their association with severe consequences, including hospitalization and death, is disproportionate.

Dr. Hannah Hays, the medical director of the Central Ohio Poison Center and author of the study, has warned that nicotine pouches pose a serious and growing risk of poisoning in young children. The study analyzed over 134,000 cases of nicotine ingestion reported to poison control centers in the United States from 2010 to 2023. While overall nicotine poisoning has decreased since 2016, incidents related to nicotine pouches have significantly increased.

In January 2025, the FDA approved the production of ZYN nicotine pouches by Philip Morris International (PMI), which come in 10 flavors such as coffee, mint, and menthol, marketed as "reduced harm products" for adult smokers. However, anti-tobacco advocates criticized this decision, condemning the FDA for paving the way for a new generation of nicotine addiction. Yolonda Richardson, Chair of Tobacco-Free Kids, stated that...

"The FDA should not approve any flavored tobacco products because the tobacco industry has long used flavored products to make people addicted."

Although the FDA points out that the percentage of teenagers using nicotine pouches remains low (1.8% of middle and high school students), the sharp increase in child poisonings suggests that current safety measures are inadequate.

Nicotine pouches containing 3 to 12 milligrams of concentrated nicotine each far exceed the nicotine content in each cigarette. For children, ingesting even 1 to 2 milligrams may lead to vomiting, seizures, or fatal respiratory failure. Research has found that ingestion of 1.2% of a nicotine pouch can have serious consequences, including two instances of death. In comparison, other nicotine products such as gum or e-liquid have a lower potential for causing severe harm.

Philip Morris International (PMI) emphasizes that its packaging already includes child-resistant features and warning labels, but critics argue that these measures are not enough to prevent the rise of poisoning incidents. Dr. Gary Smith from the Nationwide Children's Hospital is calling for stronger regulations, including banning flavored nicotine products and improving child-resistant packaging.

The authors of the study emphasize that while legislation such as the 2015 Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act has reduced e-liquid poisoning, urgent intervention is needed to address the crisis of nicotine pouches.

"Banning flavors in all nicotine products helps reduce accidental ingestion by young children and discourages use by teenagers."

Smith pointed out.

While the tobacco industry profits from FDA-approved nicotine replacement products, two recent fatal incidents serve as a reminder that children's safety should not be compromised for corporate gains. Until stricter regulations are in place, parents remain the last line of defense in preventing this preventable epidemic.

Cover image credit: Newstarget