Associate Health Minister Casey Costello faced sharp questioning at a select committee over the government’s proposal to allow oral nicotine products such as snus and pouches. Costello, who, according to Radio New Zealand, has had to repeatedly deny allegations of an overly cozy relationship with the tobacco industry, said the move is part of a harm-reduction approach and is still subject to safety controls and measures to prevent youth access.
Labour’s Dr. Ayesha Verrall warned the products could fuel new addiction among young people, pressing Costello to accept expert advice to introduce them only if proven safer and effective at reducing smoking. Costello said the recommendations are still being considered. Public health researcher Dr. Jude Ball said there is no evidence oral nicotine products help smokers quit and warned that tobacco companies are aggressively pushing them to expand youth uptake.