Zyn Nicotine Pouches Recall, Explained

Zyn Nicotine Pouches have been recalled in Canada due to an issue with its marketing and classification.

By Michael Hein

The Canadian government just issued a recall for a wide range of Zyn Nicotine Pouches due to the country's "Marketing Authorization" requirements. Zyn is a relatively new way to consume nicotine and it has become popular with younger consumers, so naturally it has its critics. Canada's Minister of Health has now asked retailers to stop selling Zyn while its marketing and classification is under review.

Canada's Zyn recall was published on Wednesday, June 12, addressed to retailers rather than consumers. There are no requirements for consumers to return or dispose of previously purchased Zyn products, though they are advised to consult a healthcare professional if they have any concerns about their use of these pouches. The recall applies specifically to these Zyn products: the 1.5 milligram Zyn Spearmint Nicotine Pouches, as well as the 3 milligram pouches in seven differnt flavors – Apple Mint, Bellini, Black Cherry, Citrus, Cool Mint, Espresso and Original. That goes for all lots and expiration dates.

The Canadian government grants power over "Marketing Authorizations" to the Minister of Health, allowing them to define classes of food and drug products, and to set conditions for their sale and consumption. They can also exempt some products from broad prohibitions. The government website has more in-depth details on these authorizations, and it's notable that Zyn was listed as a "natural health product."

Users can sign up for alerts about this recall on the website, and they can also sign up for notifications about future recalls as well. A similar service is available in the U.S. through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

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Zyn was created to replace smokeless tobacco products such as dipping tobacco and "snus." Zyn itself contains no tobacco but does contain nicotine extracted from tobacco leaves, along with other food-grade ingredients. The pouches are made from plant fiber, allowing the nicotine within to diffuse when wet. The pouches are meant to be placed between the lip and gum and held there for about 30 minutes. Zyn first went on sale in 2014 and it has seen a meteoric rise in popularity ever since. In 2022, it represented more than 60 percent of the nicotine pouch industry, according to a report by The Atlantic.

Zyn has been criticized for marketing its product as a replacement for smoking or vaping in places where it is not allowed. Some critics say these pouches are a gateway to nicotine addiction for younger users. This is particularly concerning as the long-term health effects of these pouches are not yet known. In general, nicotine is considered highly addictive and it has many negative side effects on its own, even without the known effects of smoking or chewing tobacco.

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