Federal health officials have authorized the marketing and sale of Zyn nicotine pouches, marking the first time the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized these popular products for use between the user's gums and upper lip.

The FDA said an "extensive scientific review" found these products pose a lower risk of cancer and other serious health problems than cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products.

"To receive marketing authorization, FDA must have sufficient evidence that the benefits of a new product to population health outweigh the risks," Matthew Farrelly, director of the Office of Science in the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products, said in a statement. "In In this case, the data show that these nicotine pouch products meet this criterion, benefiting adults who use cigarettes and/or smokeless tobacco products and switch to these products entirely."

The FDA's decision covers 3 mg and 6 mg Zyn products in flavors including cinnamon, citrus, coffee, mint and menthol.

While the agency's action allows them to be legally sold in the United States to adults 21 and older, it does not mean these nicotine-containing products are considered safe or "FDA-approved." The agency said "there are no safe tobacco products" and people under 21 should not use the products.

Zyn's popularity grows, so do its critics

Zyn's popularity exploded last year, with online fans influencing others to use the products. Zyn bags have been on the market for about ten years. But it wasn't until last summer that popularity reached a level that led to shortages.

These products contain nicotine powder, which when placed into the user's mouth along the upper gums, dissolves and enters the bloodstream.

Zyn, owned by tobacco giant Philip Morris, was originally created to help existing nicotine users kick their habit. But while Zyn doesn't contain harmful tobacco, it can still be addictive: Zyn points out that the FDA requires it to carry a warning: "This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical."

Young people are also attracted to the products as interest in the products surges among users on TikTok and other social media sites. Philip Morris previously told NPR that its research showed the average age of Zyn users is 39 and that the company does not pay any so-called "Zynfluencers" to advertise its products online.

Last summer, the Washington, D.C., attorney general issued a subpoena to Philip Morris, accusing its online sales of violating the region's ban on flavored nicotine, leading to a nationwide tobacco shortage. company Suspend all online sales In response, the attorney general said in December that Zyn's maker would pay $1.2 million to resolve the investigation.

The FDA said it will continue to monitor the advertising and use of these products to ensure ads are specifically targeted to adults 21 and older.