Baltimore sues Zyn manufacturer claiming nicotine pouch targets kids
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Baltimore has sued a major nicotine manufacturer claiming the company is marketing nicotine pouches to children and adolescents.
The suit, filed by the city in Baltimore Circuit Court on Wednesday, accuses Phillip Morris International of violating Baltimore's Consumer Protection Ordinance through deceptive marketing practices to 'peddle' Zyn oral nicotine pouches to minors.
'The purpose of creating a flavored tobacco product is clear — it is meant to capture children and adolescents,' the city's complaint says.
The complaint cites recent research which found that nearly 2 percent of middle and high school students report using nicotine pouches, and a separate survey where more than two-thirds of underaged respondents reported Zyn as their favorite brand of tobacco pouches.
This is not the first time the city has targeted nicotine-related products with a lawsuit alleging deceptive marketing.
Baltimore sued Juul Labs Inc. in 2020, accusing the electronic cigarette maker of promoting to minors. In September, the city reached an $8 million settlement with the California-based company.
In 2022, the District of Columbia issued a ban on flavored tobacco and nicotine products, which the Zyn manufacturer was accused of violating. As part of a settlement, the company was required to pay the District $1.2 million.
Have a news tip? Contact Mathew Schumer at mschumer@baltsun.com, 443-890-7423 and on X as @mmmschumer.
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