The U. S.
Food and Drug Administration authorized Swedish Match USA, a subsidiary of Philip Morris International, to market 20 of its ZYN nicotine pouch products as lower-risk alternatives to traditional cigarettes.
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The decision, announced on June 30, 2026, allows the company to claim that switching from cigarettes to these specific smoke-free products reduces the risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.
Products Covered and Excluded
The authorization covers 3-milligram and 6-milligram strengths of varieties including Chill, Cinnamon, Citrus, Coffee, Cool Mint, Menthol, Peppermint, Smooth, Spearmint, and Wintergreen.
Youth-favored fruit flavors such as Black Cherry and Peach are excluded from the order.
The FDA emphasized that no tobacco product is entirely safe.
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Public Health Concerns
Public health advocates strongly opposed the decision, warning that flavored pouches and social media promotion could normalize nicotine addiction among non-smokers.
Mike Seilback, assistant vice president of nationwide advocacy and state public policy at the American Lung Association, called the approval "appalling."
"The Lung Association calls on the FDA to reverse this action," Seilback said. "We must protect our children from a lifelong addiction to nicotine."
As part of the authorization, the FDA requires Swedish Match USA to conduct a five-year study monitoring consumer risk perception.
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The agency retains the authority to reverse its decision if evidence shows a significant spike in underage usage.
