Spain is set to introduce new tobacco regulations that classify all nicotine products the same, disregarding the crucial differences in risk between smoking and smoke-free alternatives. Meanwhile, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken a different route, authorizing ZYN nicotine pouches as a better alternative for adult smokers. This decision reinforces the importance of harm reduction as a key strategy in tobacco control.
With Pakistan facing a significant smoking crisis – 31 million smokers and over 160,000 deaths annually – it is clear that restrictive policies have failed to curb the problem. The FDA’s decision reflects a science-driven approach to policy, while Spain’s reliance on outdated “quit or die” strategies continues to limit progress.
Dr. Matthew Farrelly, Director of the Office of Science at the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, explained that the agency’s approval process is based on rigorous evidence. “To receive marketing authorizations, the FDA must have sufficient evidence that the new products offer greater benefits to population health than risks. In this case, the data show that these nicotine pouch products meet that bar by benefiting adults who use cigarettes and completely switch to these products,” he stated.
In contrast, Dr. Carmen Escrig, a molecular biologist in Madrid, criticized Spain’s approach, calling it a “complete failure” of the country’s tobacco control efforts. “Repeating the same ineffective strategies and expecting different results is absolutely inefficient and causes much suffering. The sad thing is that this inefficiency is paid in lives,” she cautioned. Damian Sweeney, an advocate with the European Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (ETHRA), echoed this concern, warning that stricter regulations on better alternatives will only worsen the issue. He emphasized that making harm reduction products accessible is the most effective way to reduce smoking rates.
For Pakistan, this presents a critical opportunity to rethink its tobacco policies. A regulatory framework that promotes awareness and availability of alternatives like ZYN nicotine pouches could support smokers in making transition, ultimately reducing smoking-related harm in the country.
