An online pouch retailer has urged the Government to put a 20mg limit on nicotine pouches.
As the UK continues its drive toward a smoke-free future, nicotine pouches are emerging as a modern smoke-free alternative to cigarettes. Delivering nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes, the non-combustible products have proven an effective alternative to cigarettes in countries such as Sweden.
Now, Dr Marina Murphy, senior director of scientific affairs at Haypp, said the UK needs a 20mg nicotine limit per pouch for nicotine pouches to unlock their full potential as a harm reduction tool.
“Proportionate regulation balances public health with consumer choice. A legal maximum of 20mg nicotine per pouch ensures adult smokers have access to a viable alternative to cigarettes, while limiting the risks associated with ultra-strength products.”
Murphy adds that the 20mg figure has been reached as it offers a similar experience to smoking a cigarette: “It provides a nicotine experience comparable to a cigarette without exposing consumers to unnecessarily high levels.
“This amount of nicotine is sufficient to make a pouch a viable alternative to a cigarette and encourage smokers to switch to a lower risk product. Some lines available on the UK market can have up to 150mg per pouch, which experts have deemed unnecessarily strong. Haypp doesn’t sell any products with nicotine levels stronger than 20mg.”
Looking ahead, the Tobacco & Vapes Bill will offer a chance to make these ambitions a reality, Murphy said. “It will give the Government the authority to regulate the nicotine content in pouches. Setting a 20mg limit will ensure an effective smoke-free alternative to cigarettes is available to adult smokers while protecting the public from ultra-strength products.”
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