Nordic cancer foundations, including the Swedish Cancerfonden, have reportedly sent a letter to the European Commission calling for stricter measures against white snus and other addictive nicotine products. According to reports, the letter was addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, urging a review of the EU's tobacco directive.
The cancer funds are advocating for several regulatory changes, including higher prices for nicotine products, bans on flavoring of new nicotine products, and comprehensive advertising restrictions that would extend to social media platforms. The organizations claim that the tobacco industry is "aggressively targeting young people" through social media marketing, child-friendly flavors, and appealing packaging.
In their communication, the cancer foundations warn that these products create addiction and can lead to "serious health risks." They argue that the increase in nicotine use among young people in the Nordic region should serve as a "sharp warning for the entire EU." The letter represents a coordinated effort by Nordic health organizations to address what they see as a growing public health concern related to new nicotine delivery systems.