The Baltimore municipal government in the United States has filed a lawsuit against the owners of Zyn nicotine bags – Philip Morris International. Swedish Match North America, and Swedish Match America – accusing them of their marketing strategies targeting minors. PMI said in its response statement that it has not received any complaints and emphasized that its marketing is only targeted at adults over the age of 21.
Key points:
- The City of Baltimore accused Zyn nicotine bags of using marketing strategies specifically targeted at minors.
- The lawsuit highlighted Zyn’s false advertisements and its potential health risks.
- The mayor emphasized that the municipal government will resolutely confront this immoral market behavior.
- PMI stated in its response statement that it has not received any complaints and emphasized that its marketing is only targeted at adults over the age of 21.
U.S. City of Baltimore sues maker of nicotine bag brand Zyn
According to CBS News, the Baltimore government in the United States has filed a lawsuit against the owner of Zyn nicotine bags, accusing them of using deceptive marketing tactics specifically targeting children and violating the city’s consumer protection regulations.
The lawsuit named the company that owns this brand: Philip Morris International, Inc. Swedish Match North America LLC and Swedish Match USA, Inc.
According to the lawsuit documents, these companies attract children and teenagers through Zyn’s marketing of different flavors, promotions on social media and false advertisements.
Mayor Brandon Scott said:
- “The manufacturer of Zyn prioritizes profits over the health and safety of the citizens of Baltimore, especially our children. My office will never stand idly by on this.”
Allegations of marketing tactics targeting teens
He pointed out that these nicotine bags are highly addictive. The municipal government further accused these companies of wrongly promoting Zyn as a tobacco-free product without warning consumers that its nicotine absorption was increased compared to traditional cigarettes. According to the lawsuit. The company’s incentive program attracts and retains young customers through discounts, free products and participation in exclusive events.
The definition of the Zyn nicotine bag is to place it between the lips and gums to deliver nicotine into the bloodstream. The bag contains stabilizers, fillers, pH regulators, flavors, sweeteners and nicotine salts.
In January 2025, the FDA approved the sale of twenty flavors of nicotine bags. Marking the first time a regulatory agency has allowed nicotine bags to be sold as cigarette substitutes.
Although Zyn’s warning label clearly states that the product is not suitable for minors, pregnant or lactating women, and people with risk factors for heart disease or high blood pressure, the lawsuit in the city of Baltimore still compared the addictive nature of nicotine to cocaine and heroin and quoted the statement of Senator Chuck Schumer. Refer to Zyn products as “a pouch packed with problems”.
PMI stated in its response statement
Although some people argue that nicotine bags can help smokers reduce smoking, many others express concerns about their health risks. Some experts point out that the risks to cardiovascular and oral health increase, and toxic chemicals may damage the gums or cause infections or cancer.
PMI said in a statement:
- “Although we have not received any complaints and are unable to comment. We can assure you that the interests of Philip Morris International and its affiliated companies will be effectively safeguarded. ZYN is suitable for adults over 21 years old – yes, it is the only nicotine bagged product authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We are committed to responsible marketing practices and only target adults over 21 years old.”
The company said that Swedish Match, the manufacturer of Zyn. Would not use American social media influencers or anyone under the age of 35 in its marketing strategy.
