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Tag: U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co.

  • S. Africa Exempts Smokeless Tobacco from New Regs

    S. Africa Exempts Smokeless Tobacco from New Regs

    South Africa’s Department of Health plans to exempt non-combustible and smokeless tobacco products such as snus, chewing tobacco, nicotine pouches, and e-cigarettes from key provisions of the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, according to Times Live. Deputy Director-General Jeanette Hunter said the exemption reflects their lower toxic profile, though rules will still restrict misleading claims, shapes, and descriptors to protect children.

    Parliamentary debate raised cultural and enforcement concerns, with the African Transformation Movement’s Vuyo Zungula calling for clear exemptions for traditional snuff use, and Freedom Front Plus’ Philippus van Staden citing limited law enforcement and border controls. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi clarified that cultural use of combustible tobacco is rare, while Hunter highlighted that smoking remains prohibited in public spaces, with compliance largely enforced by public awareness rather than police presence.

  • Modified-Risk Orders for Copenhagen Snuff

    Modified-Risk Orders for Copenhagen Snuff

    Photo: Altria Group

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co.’s (UST) Copenhagen Classic Snuff, a loose moist snuff smokeless tobacco product, to be marketed as a modified-risk tobacco product (MRTP). Copenhagen’s moist snuff smokeless tobacco product has been marketed in the U.S. for years without modified-risk information.

    The FDA’s action now allows UST to market the product as a modified-risk product with the claim: “If you smoke, consider this: Switching completely to this product from cigarettes reduces risk of lung cancer.”

    After a rigorous review of the available evidence, including recommendations from the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee, public comments and other available scientific information, the FDA says it concluded that the specific claim related to lung cancer risk is scientifically accurate with respect to Copenhagen Classic Snuff. The review also found the public health gains are unlikely to be offset by nonusers starting to use the product.

    UST will be required to conduct post-market surveillance and studies that include an assessment of product users’ behavior, understanding and any previous use of cigarettes as well as a scientific model to assess continued impact on population health.

    This modified-risk granted order will expire in five years.