STOP is a network of academic and public health organizations operating globally within the framework of the Bloomberg Initiative to reduce tobacco use.
STOP has published a new report on the white snus Understanding Nicotine Pouches Current Evidence and Industry Activity
In the argument for white snus, it is popular among tobacco companies to highlight Sweden. We are held up as a successful example of how white snus has led to fewer smokers – harm minimization. The report authors write that this is an incorrect claim and list the reasons:
- Brown snus and white snus are mixed together.
- In addition, Swedish health experts have pointed out that the low percentage of smokers is linked to Sweden's restrictions on smoking. It is not linked to either the white or the brown snus.
- The report also highlights that the Public Health Agency is concerned about the increasing use of nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes among young people. The Public Health Agency has proposed that regulation of nicotine pouches be included in tobacco legislation.
The Public Health Agency has not received any attention from the government for this. White snus has its own legislation. But the people who sell the snus are the same people who sell cigarettes.
Three major tobacco companies have three quarters of the market, Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco and Altria. They have very good conditions to sell the white snus, write the report authors: They use the structures they already have for production, distribution, marketing and sales. In addition, they can continue with their lobbying and marketing to accelerate sales.
STOP warns that a new generation is on the verge of becoming addicted to nicotine. The use of white snus has increased by 660 percent since 2020. By 2028, white snus is estimated to be sold for the equivalent of 237 billion Swedish kronor.
