The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) reiterated its members’ commitment to responsible retailing in a letter to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, following reports of illegal high-strength nicotine pouches circulating in the UK. As the Tobacco and Vapes Bill progresses through Westminster, SGF said retailers still have no official guidance on best practices for selling nicotine pouches, despite expected age-restriction measures. The group warned that it is often unclear which products entering the UK supply chain meet appropriate quality standards.
SGF chief executive Pete Cheema said industry and government should work together to develop “clear, standardized guidance” on pouch sales and promotion, stressing that pouches are an adult smoking-cessation tool and should never be marketed to children. The federation has also written to Scottish health secretary Neil Gray, seeking meetings with both governments.