WHO Warns Loose Regulation of Nicotine Pouches Could Spark Youth Addiction Risk

Central News Agency, London, 15th - The World Health Organization (WHO) today urged governments to take more regulatory measures on the sale of nicotine pouches, warning that the highly addictive products are being "aggressively marketed" to target young people.

According to Reuters, nicotine pouches, which are placed under the lip to deliver a nicotine hit, have quickly become one of the most important products for major tobacco companies to offset the decline in the smoking population.

The WHO stated that governments must introduce more measures to protect people, especially teenagers, from addiction.

The WHO pointed out that nicotine pouches are heavily promoted by influencers on social media, marketed through aspirational lifestyles, and attract young people by sponsoring concerts, festivals, and events like Formula 1 racing. Even some supporters of using nicotine pouches as a harm reduction tool for smoking consider these marketing strategies inappropriate.

WHO official Etienne Etienne Krug noted, "These products are designed to be addictive."

The WHO stated that about 160 countries currently have no specific regulations for nicotine pouches and called for a series of control measures, including setting maximum nicotine content limits, banning advertising, and prohibiting or strictly limiting flavors. (Compiled by: Liu Shu-qin) 1150516