Levels of nicotine and tobacco-specific nitrosamines in oral nicotine pouches

Introduction:
This text provides an analysis of nicotine pouches without tobacco leaf material, a product that has been present on the US market since 2016 and in Europe since 2018. The study conducted by the German Federal Institute for Risk assessment aims to assess potential risks of these new nicotine pouches by chemically characterizing them and analyzing levels of nicotine, unprotonated nicotine, and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNas) in 46 brand varieties of pouches with and without nicotine. The study also compares measured nicotine content with the labelled nicotine on the product packaging and assesses warning labels for each product.

Key Points:

* Nicotine pouches without tobacco leaf material have been present on the US market since 2016 and in Europe since 2018.
* The study analyzed 46 brand varieties of pouches with and without nicotine.
* The study measured nicotine content, unprotonated nicotine, and TSNas in the pouches.
* Measured nicotine content was compared with the labelled nicotine on the product packaging.
* Warning labels were assessed for each product.
* Some nicotine pouches were found to have nicotine contents approaching 50 mg per pouch.
* TSNas were detected in more than half of the samples.
* Most products lacked a label with the nicotine content in milligram per pouch or per gram.

Main Message:
The study highlights the need for specific regulation for nicotine pouches, including limits and label requirements for nicotine contents. The high nicotine content in some pouches and the detection of TSNas in more than half of the samples indicate potential health risks associated with the use of these products. Further research is necessary to determine the toxicology and addictive potential of nicotine pouches. The study suggests that specific regulation for nicotine pouches is advisable to ensure the safety and health of consumers.

Mallock N, Schulz T, Malke S, et al Levels of nicotine and tobacco-specific nitrosamines in oral nicotine pouches Tobacco Control 2024;33:193-199.