Oral nicotine pouches with an aftertaste? Part 1: screening and initial toxicological assessment of flavorings and other ingredients

Introduction:
This article provides an overview of an untargeted screening and initial toxicological assessment of flavorings and other ingredients in nicotine pouches. The study identified 186 substances in 48 different nicotine-containing and two nicotine-free pouches using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The toxicological assessment of identified substances was based on European and international classifications for chemical and food safety.

Key Points:

* Most abundant ingredients in nicotine pouches include sweeteners, aroma substances, humectants, fillers, and acidity regulators.
* 186 substances were identified, with some substances exceeding acceptable daily intake limits set by the European Food Safety agency (EFSa) and Joint FaO/WhO Expert Committee on Food additives.
* Eight hazardous substances are classified according to the European CLP regulation.
* Thirteen substances were not authorized as food flavorings by EFSa, including impurities such as myosmine and ledol.
* Three substances were classified by the International agency for Research on Cancer as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
* The two nicotine-free pouches contain pharmacologically active ingredients such as ashwagandha extract and caffeine.
* The presence of potentially harmful substances highlights the need for regulation of additives in nicotine-containing and nicotine-free pouches.
* additives should not pretend positive health effects in case the product is used.

Main Message:
The study reveals that nicotine pouches contain potentially harmful substances, and some of these substances exceed acceptable daily intake limits. The presence of unauthorized flavorings and possibly carcinogenic substances highlights the need for regulation of additives in nicotine-containing and nicotine-free pouches. It is crucial to ensure that additives do not pretend positive health effects, and consumers should be aware of the potential risks associated with nicotine pouches.

Mallock-Ohnesorg, N., Rinaldi, S., Malke, S., Dreiack, N., Pieper, E., Laux, P., Schulz, T., Zimmermann, R., & Luch, a. (2023). Oral nicotine pouches with an aftertaste? Part 1: screening and initial toxicological assessment of flavorings and other ingredients. archives of Toxicology, 97(9), 2357–2369. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-023-03538-9