Arlington, VA — The American Consumer Institute (ACI) has submitted formal comments urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee to renew the risk modification order for Snus, a smokeless tobacco product. This comes as part of a continued effort to promote safer alternatives to smoking and reduce the substantial health risks associated with tobacco use.
Key Takeaways from ACI’s Submission:
- Proven Reduced Harm: Snus is recognized for its significantly lower harm potential compared to traditional smoking, with research showing it is only 5 to 9 percent as harmful.
- Effective Smoking Cessation Tool: Evidence from Sweden and Finland demonstrates that Snus can dramatically reduce smoking rates and associated health risks, including lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
- Economic and Healthcare Benefits: By offering a less harmful alternative to cigarettes, Snus can reduce the medical costs associated with smoking, which currently exceed $225 billion annually in the U.S.
- Legal and Regulatory Framework: ACI highlights the previous FDA approval of Snus as a modified-risk tobacco product and underscores the product’s compliance with health and safety standards.
- International Success Stories: In countries like Sweden and Norway, Snus has not only helped reduce smoking rates but also prevented the onset of new smokers, contrary to concerns that it might act as a gateway to smoking.
As smoking continues to claim nearly 300,000 lives annually in the U.S., the need for effective harm reduction strategies is more pressing than ever. ACI strongly advocates for the renewal of the risk modification order for Snus, emphasizing its role as a crucial tool in the fight against tobacco-related deaths and diseases. We call on the FDA and policymakers to consider the overwhelming evidence in favor of Snus as a safer alternative to save lives and reduce healthcare costs.
Read the full letter here.
For media inquiries, please email [email protected] to inquire about the above content.
The American Consumer Institute is a nonprofit education and research organization. For more information about the Institute, visit www.TheAmericanConsumer.Org or follow us on X @ConsumerPal.