Moncton 
Health Canada’s approval of flavoured Zonnic nicotine pouches by Imperial Tobacco Canada Ltd., a subsidiary of British American Tobacco, has sparked significant controversy.
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The decision, made on July 18, 2023, allows the legal sale of these products to children of any age.
These nicotine pouches, which contain nicotine but not tobacco, are being aggressively marketed in places like convenience stores and gas stations, often displayed near candy or chocolate bars.
This development has alarmed health organizations and experts.
Cynthia Callard, Executive Director of Physicians for a Smoke-Free Canada, labelled the situation as “incomprehensible,” citing a lack of regulatory protections. Various health organizations, including Action on Smoking and Health, the Canadian Cancer Society, and Heart & Stroke, are urging Health Ministers to either reclassify nicotine pouches as prescription products or suspend their sale until regulatory gaps are addressed.
Rob Cunningham, Senior Policy Analyst at the Canadian Cancer Society, noted this is the first time in over a century that a nicotine product from a tobacco company is legally available to minors in Canada. The marketing strategies of Imperial Tobacco, using lifestyle advertising and appealing flavours like Tropic Breeze and Chill Mint, are particularly concerning for youth addiction.
The situation is compared to the rise in youth vaping, with concerns about the ease of access and the appeal of these products to young people. Terry Dean, President and CEO of the Canadian Lung Association, emphasized the addictive nature of nicotine and the need for controls before market approval.
Health organizations are pushing for immediate government action, citing the necessity of protecting youth from nicotine addiction. The approval of these products has been criticized for lacking transparency and public input, highlighting the need for stronger implementation of health policies against commercial interests of the tobacco industry.
