The FDA will allow smokeless tobacco products known as snus to be marketed as being lower risk than regular cigarettes for giving users cancer, drawing strong reactions from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and the American Lung Association.
The smokeless products from Swedish Match, sold under the General brand, were cleared for sale in the U.S. in 2015 but without the claim of lower risk. The FDA says while they are lower risk, it does not mean the products are safe or FDA approved, the agency says.
"We are disappointed that the FDA did not put greater priority around protecting kids from these tobacco products, especially allowing flavored products," says Erika Sward, assistant vice president of national advocacy for the American Lung Association. Among the eight products included as lower risk are mint and wintergreen, flavors thought to appeal to teens.
Snus is a form of smokeless tobacco. Unlike other smokeless tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco, snuff, and dip, users don't need to spit when using snus.
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