FDA Safety Alert: Nicotine Pouches and Pediatric Poisoning Risk

Published: Jan 2026
Category: Public Health / Poison Prevention

The FDA has issued a safety alert urging nicotine pouch manufacturers to adopt child-resistant packaging after a sharp rise in accidental exposures among young children. According to FDA and U.S. According to poison center data, most reported nicotine pouch ingestions occur in children under 5 years of age, typically in the home.

Nicotine pouches are small, flavored, and often marketed as “tobacco-free,” creating a false sense of safety. In reality, many pouches contain high concentrations of nicotine, and ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, pallor, tachycardia, tremors, seizures, and, in severe cases, respiratory failure.

Clinical reminder:
Any child with vomiting, lethargy, or autonomic symptoms after a possible nicotine pouch ingestion should be evaluated promptly. Caregivers should be advised to store nicotine products locked and out of sight, and to dispose of used pouches immediately.

📞 Poison Control (U.S.): 1-800-222-1222

Sources:

• FDA Consumer Update – Nicotine pouches and child safety
  https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/properly-store-nicotine-pouches-prevent-accidental-exposure-children-and-pets

• FDA Press Release – Child-resistant packaging recommendation
  https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-urges-nicotine-pouch-manufacturers-use-child-resistant-packaging-following-increasing-reports