Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) called for a Zyn crackdown, dubbing the nicotine product a “pouch packed with problems”

Zyn is a brand of nicotine pouches distributed by Swedish Match, which in turn is owned by Philip Morris International

Users place the pouch – which comes in varying strengths – between their lip and gums

Unlike other forms of chewing tobacco, Zyn contains no tobacco and doesn’t require spitting

Nicotine is highly addictive and while its health effects are not fully known, it is not believed to cause cancer

Much like e-cigarettes and vapes, Zyn is marketed as a healthier tobacco alternative and comes in multiple flavors, including “Cinnamon” and “Wintergreen”

It is one of several nicotine pouches on the US market today, alongside On!, Velo, and more

Popularized by social media, nicotine pouch sales have soared in recent years

Health officials have warned that the health effects of nicotine pouches are unknown and that Zyn, among other brands, is popular among children

Some critics have accused the company of marketing to underage users with its fruity flavors

At a press conference on Tuesday, Schumer called on US regulators to investigate Zyn for allegedly marketing to children

Calling the product a “pouch packed with problems,” he added, “I'm delivering a warning to parents because these nicotine pouches seem to lock their sights on young kids, teenagers and even lower. And then use the social media to hook them”

He called for an investigation into Zyn “for concerns relating to marketing and health effects”

Schumer’s announcement elicited criticism from Republicans, who accused him of promoting a “nanny state”

“Chuck Schumer wants to ban Zyn. The nanny state is alive and well with today's Democrat Party,” the National Republican Senatorial Committee wrote on X

“Come and take it, Chuck,” one North Carolina representative wrote under a picture of a Zyn

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