Canadian health organizations concerned over sale of flavored nicotine products

Canadian health organizations have urged the federal government to crack down on flavored nicotine products.

Other organizations, including the Canadian Cancer Society, say nicotine products pose a serious risk to children because it is a highly addictive drug.

This is the first time in more than 100 years that nicotine products have been legalized to be sold to children in Canada, said Rob Cunningham, senior policy analyst at the Canadian Cancer Society.

Health Canada gave approval for flavored nicotine pouches on October 12, prompting strong reactions from health organizations and demanding the government to tighten regulations.

Health organizations say the move will have a disastrous effect on young people becoming addicted to nicotine.

Terry Dean, president and CEO of the Canadian Lung Association, said the government should reconsider nicotine products.