Canada health minister vows to fix regulatory loophole for Zonnic nicotine pouches

Canadian Health Minister Mark Holland stated that he will quickly address the existing "loopholes" after the Canadian health department approved the sale of flavored nicotine pouches, Zonnic, without restrictions on advertising or sales methods.

On November 30, according to reports from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, regarding the flavored nicotine product Zonnic released by Imperial Tobacco Canada, Health Minister Mark Holland stated that he would quickly address the existing "loopholes" after the Canadian health department approved its sale without restrictions on advertising or sales methods.

Holland stated, "The behavior and intentions of the tobacco industry have raised serious issues; they seem to want to get new young people addicted to nicotine, which is disgusting, and we want to close this loophole."

Earlier this month, six national health organizations called on the federal government to immediately regulate the advertising and sales of flavored nicotine pouches, which were launched in gas stations and convenience stores across the country in October.

Although Zonnic does not contain tobacco and each nicotine pouch contains less than 4 milligrams of nicotine and is not inhaled, it is not included in any existing federal or provincial tobacco or e-cigarette legislation.

Holland stated that he "takes responsibility for this" and vowed to "strictly review" the approval process for nicotine products.

The Canadian health department stated that Imperial Tobacco must self-report annually and "identify any appeal or abuse of the product among young people."

The Canadian health department wrote in a statement:

"Marketing aimed at young people will be considered deceptive advertising and may trigger post-market compliance actions."

However, the Canadian health department stated that decisions regarding the sales locations and age restrictions for purchases depend on the provinces and territories.