CLAIM DETAILS
This Class Action relates to the deceptive and misleading design, regulatory approval, labelling, advertising, marketing, promotion, distribution, and sale by the defendants of Zonnic pouches. The claim alleges, in part, that the defendants:
- Exploited regulatory loopholes. They deliberately designed Zonnic with 4 mg or less of nicotine per pouch to avoid nicotine control laws that do not apply to nicotine products approved under the Natural Health Product Regulations. As a “natural health product” Zonnic can be purchased in Canada by anyone (without age restriction) and promoted broadly (without advertising restriction).
- Dishonestly marketed Zonnic as a “nicotine replacement therapy” while at the same time designed product packaging and flavours to strongly appeal to children, teenagers, and young adults with vivid packaging featuring sweet flavours like “Chill Mint”, “Berry Frost”, and “Tropic Breeze”.
- Failed to warn about the risks. The Zonnic packaging contains no warnings or disclosure about the primary harm associated with its use, namely, long-term nicotine addiction.
CURRENT STATUS
This litigation is still in its early stages.
