Nicotine pouches, called “bags”, will soon be banned, the Minister of Health, Geneviève Darrieussecq, announced on Tuesday, October 29, a few days before the start of the “tobacco-free month” in November. This product, especially aimed at young people, does not contain tobacco, unlike snus, banned in the European Union since 1992. Recently appearing, it contains, in a permeable fabric, polymeric fibers impregnated with nicotine and aromas that slide between the lips . and the gum.
“The government has decided to ban these products, whether they are pouches containing nicotine to place in the mouth, on the gum or under the tongue, which we call “pouches”, but also similar products that are equally problematic, in the form of erasers. or marbles”explains the minister in an interview with Parisian. “The marketing of these products is aimed directly at young people and I hope that we can protect our youth”he adds, specifying that a “The ban text will be published in the coming weeks”.
“I am very concerned because poison control centers are receiving more and more calls from adolescents for acute, sometimes severe, nicotine syndromes related to the consumption of pouches. They cause vomiting, convulsions, hypotension and even alterations in consciousness.describes the minister. “These are dangerous products because they contain high doses of nicotine. It is our duty to prohibit its commercialization.”concludes.
Upcoming enactment of the law against “puffs”
In November 2023, ANSES called for special surveillance “ in these envelopes, highlighting that these products, such as aromatic pearls, were causing more and more poisoning. “Children and adolescents are the main victims”noted the health agency. Last May, the National Committee Against Smoking (CNCT) announced the presentation of a complaint for “trafficking in poisonous substances” facing sale “illegal” of these nicotine sachets, calling for their ban.
Geneviève Darrieussecq also specifies that the transpartisan bill approved in Parliament at the beginning of the year should be enacted to ban “puffs”, these single-use electronic cigarettes that are also popular with young people. “in the coming weeks”. “My goal is to stop marketing it before the end of the year”said.
