French Anti-Tobacco Group Sues Aroma King Over 6-MN Marketing, Calls for Ban on Synthetic Nicotine Products

Key Points:

1.Aroma King is being sued by a French anti-smoking organization for allegedly illegally promoting a new product containing 6-methyl nicotine.

2.New synthetic substance 6-methyl nicotine may have higher addictiveness, sparking health and regulatory concerns.

3.Products from Aroma King have been accused of misleading consumers online and potentially fueling addiction among younger demographic groups.

4.CNCT suggests that France should take measures to ban all nicotine compounds in order to avoid a competition between manufacturers and the law.

According to a report by Agence France-Presse on May 26th, the French anti-smoking organization "National Committee Against Tobacco (CNCT)" announced that it will be suing the e-cigarette brand Aroma King to resist the promotion of a potentially more addictive synthetic substance than traditional nicotine.

CNCT pointed out that starting from early 2024, a new substance called 6-methyl nicotine or "metatin" has been found in some e-cigarette products in France and other European countries. This compound has a chemical structure similar to nicotine, raising concerns about its rapid dissemination.

In recent years, CNCT has successfully sued British American Tobacco and Philip Morris International (PMI), with the latter being convicted for illegal advertising.

This time, they have decided to take legal action against Aroma King. Aroma King describes these products on its official website as "innovative, smokeless or nicotine-free" and refers to them as "healthier, safer alternatives to e-cigarettes," a claim that has been challenged by CNCT lawyer Hugo Lévy. He points out that this kind of advertising violates the provisions in the French Public Health Law that ban advertising of e-cigarette products.

The "NoNic" product label promoted by Aroma King claiming "nicotine-free" may be misleading consumers, leading to incorrect perceptions of the safety and ingredients of such products. CNCT has revealed that preliminary research suggests that the potential addictiveness of 6-methyl nicotine may be three times that of traditional nicotine, and may also cause greater damage to lung cells.

Anne Batisse, the head of the Paris addiction monitoring center, also pointed out that these synthetic products are often not thoroughly studied in animal bodies.

CNCT stated that 6-methyl nicotine allows the tobacco industry to circumvent regulations concerning the maximum nicotine concentration and e-cigarette device capacity, particularly by enticing young, susceptible groups into addiction. These products feature attractive packaging and sweet flavors (such as soft pastry, ice cola, candy tobacco, ice mango, ice peach, rainbow candy, etc.), targeting adolescents.

Some manufacturers of products containing 6-methyl nicotine in the United States are using marketing gimmicks such as "nicotine-free, tobacco-free, better taste, more environmentally friendly" to promote these products. It is claimed that these products are seen as stimulants similar to coffee by influencers on some social media platforms, aiding in improved focus or athletic performance.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned in 2023 that nicotine regulation in many countries may be circumvented by similar substances to nicotine. They advised filling regulatory loopholes for better industry oversight. CNCT President Yves Martinet told Agence France-Presse that France should take measures to ban all nicotine-like compounds to prevent a race between manufacturers and the law.

According to the official website, CNCT is a non-profit organization based in France that is dedicated to combating smoking and protecting the public from the dangers of tobacco. The organization has a long history, with its origins dating back to 1868, and it was officially renamed CNCT in 1968 and recognized by the French government as a charitable association.

The main goals and responsibilities of CNCT are:

·Public Education and Prevention: Increasing awareness of the health hazards of smoking, particularly targeting young people, in order to reduce smoking behavior at the source. 

·Policy Advocacy: Actively influencing the French government to develop and implement stricter tobacco control policies and legislation, such as raising tobacco taxes, expanding smoke-free areas, and limiting tobacco advertising. They also strive to protect non-smokers from the harms of secondhand smoke. 

·Quit Smoking Support: Providing smoking cessation information and resources to help smokers kick the habit. 

·Industry Oversight: Continuous monitoring of the tobacco industry, exposing its marketing strategies and impact on public health. 

·Collaboration and Cooperation: Working closely with the French health authorities and international and domestic anti-smoking organizations to advance the cause of tobacco control.