2024-10-30 11:23:00
A few days before tobacco-free month, the Minister of Health is targeting nicotine sachets. Geneviève Darrieussecq announced, this Tuesday, October 29, the upcoming ban on pouches, popular with young people. “The government has decided to ban these products, whether they are sachets containing nicotine to be placed in the mouth, against the gum or under the tongue, which are called pouches, but also similar products, which are just as problematic, in the form of gum or marbles,” she said in the columns of Parisian.
The health newsletter
Every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.
Receive our selection of articles from our Health section as well as the rankings of hospitals and clinics, special files, advice and tips…
Merci !
Your registration has been taken into account with the email address:
To discover all our other newsletters, go here: MyAccount
By registering, you accept the general conditions of use and our confidentiality policy.
According to the Minister of Health, “the ban text will be published in the coming weeks”. By banning nicotine sachets, Geneviève Darrieussecq says she wants to “protect young people”, because “the marketing of these products is directly targeted towards young people”.
ALSO READ Tobacco and immunity: harmful effects 10 to 15 years after stopping smoking “It is our duty to prohibit their marketing,” she insisted, because these products are “dangerous”. And to affirm: “Poison control centers are receiving more and more calls from adolescents for acute nicotine syndromes, sometimes severe, linked to the consumption of pouches. »
“Puffs” banned by the end of the year
To Discover
Answer
Former Minister of Health Aurélien Rousseau had already opened the door, in November 2023, to banning the sale of these nicotine sachets. Packaged, as their name suggests, in sachets, the doses are placed between the upper lip and the gum. These products do not contain tobacco but ANSES had called for “particular vigilance” by emphasizing that these sachets, like aromatic beads, were causing more and more poisoning.
In addition to nicotine sachets, disposable cigarettes, with a sweet taste and popular with adolescents, are also in the government’s sights. A cross-partisan bill to ban “puffs” was passed in Parliament at the start of the year. And after the green light from the European Commission to ban these single-use cigarettes, the law should be promulgated within “the coming weeks,” says Geneviève Darrieussecq.
1730676348
#Nicotine #sachets #banned #government
**Interview with Geneviève Darrieussecq, French Minister of Health**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Darrieussecq. Your announcement about the upcoming ban on nicotine pouches has sparked a lot of discussions. Can you explain why the government has decided to implement this ban?
**Geneviève Darrieussecq:** Thank you for having me. The decision to ban nicotine pouches stems from our growing concern for public health, particularly among young people. These products are becoming increasingly popular, yet they pose significant health risks. Our primary aim is to protect our youth from the dangers of nicotine addiction.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned similar products that may also be banned. Can you elaborate on what these include?
**Geneviève Darrieussecq:** Absolutely. In addition to nicotine pouches, we are also targeting products like gum and marbles that deliver nicotine in a similar manner. All these products can mislead consumers into thinking they are safer alternatives to traditional tobacco, but they are not without risk.
**Interviewer:** Critics of this ban argue that it may push users back to traditional smoking methods. How do you respond to these concerns?
**Geneviève Darrieussecq:** That is a valid point, and we are aware of these concerns. However, our primary responsibility is to protect public health. We believe that banning these products will ultimately discourage nicotine use and help us move towards a healthier society. We will also implement supportive measures to help current users find better alternatives.
**Interviewer:** With the ban set to be published in just a few weeks, what does the government plan to do in terms of education and prevention?
**Geneviève Darrieussecq:** Education is key. We will be launching campaigns to inform the public, particularly our youth, about the risks associated with nicotine products. Additionally, we will increase support for smoking cessation programs to provide assistance to those looking to quit.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Minister Darrieussecq, for sharing your insights on this important public health issue.
**Geneviève Darrieussecq:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we continue these conversations to ensure the health and well-being of our communities.
