Malta’s health department warns of the dangers of nicotine pouches as several European countries move to ban them.
Core Watch:
- Nicotine Bags Raise Public Health Concerns in Malta
- France and the Netherlands Have Introduced Bans
- Malta Plans to Address the Issue in Future Strategies
Malta’s health regulator is concerned about the growing popularity of nicotine bag products, according to a July 7 report by the Malta News Agency. The new unregulated product is rapidly gaining popularity among young people and has caused widespread concern.
Citing a statement from the World Health Organization, the Public Health Authority noted that these nicotine pouches are highly addictive, acutely toxic, and could be a potential introduction to tobacco use among youth. The packaging and promotion use bright colors, attractive flavors, and stylish designs that target the child and adolescent market.
Although these pouches circumvent existing tobacco regulations by being tobacco-free and delivering nicotine directly through the gums, they are currently legal by default as they do not fall under any existing laws.
France and the Netherlands have already banned the sale of nicotine pouches due to similar public health concerns. The topic will be addressed in Malta’s upcoming Tobacco Control Strategy 2025-2030, but specific plans have not yet been announced.
