On October 22, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the marketing of Swedish snus as a less harmful alternative to cigarettes. After years of thorough research, the FDA determined that there is sufficient evidence to support the role of snus in protecting public health. The FDA granted Swedish Match the right to inform consumers that eight of its smoke-free General Snus products “pose a lower risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis” compared to smoking. This recognition positions snus as a tobacco product sold or distributed with the goal of reducing harm or lowering the risk of tobacco-related diseases.
“This decision is a major public health achievement in the U.S. and a significant step toward realizing our vision of a world without cigarettes”
Gerry Roerty / Swedish Match
For the first time in history, a tobacco company will be able to market its products as less harmful than cigarettes.
Currently, snus is banned across the European Union, except in Sweden. In Sweden, widespread use of snus instead of cigarettes is credited with helping the country achieve the lowest lung cancer and smoking-related disease rates in Europe.
