Smokeless Tobacco
Smokeless tobacco, commonly known as dip, is a smoke-free tobacco product that originated in the U.S. in the late 1600s. The current U.S. smokeless tobacco product market is dominated by moist smokeless tobacco, but also includes snus, various types of chewing tobacco and dry snuff. And because smokeless tobacco products are intended for oral consumption and do not burn or produce smoke, these products present a harm reduction opportunity for adult tobacco consumers.
Our smokeless tobacco brands, Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal and Husky, are commercialized by U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC).
From a scientific perspective, based on decades of epidemiology, it is now accepted by most public health researchers that smokeless tobacco, while not safe, is a far less risky way to consume nicotine than cigarette smoking. Epidemiological data demonstrates that adults who dip in the U.S. have lower risks of smoking related diseases compared to adults who smoke1, including:
- Lower risk of lung cancer
- Lower risk of mouth cancer
- Lower risk of COPD
- Lower risk of smoking related heart disease
- Lower risk of all-cause mortality
Copenhagen Classic Snuff® Issued Modified Risk Granted Order
Based on this strong body of scientific evidence, in March 2018, USSTC filed a Modified Risk Tobacco Product Application (MRPTA) with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking to make a modified risk claim for Copenhagen Classic Snuff. The claim is "IF YOU SMOKE, CONSIDER THIS: Switching to this product from cigarettes reduces risk of lung cancer." Click here to view the application on FDA’s website.
After a rigorous review of the evidence, including FDA’s Tobacco Product Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) recommendation, public comments, and other available scientific information, on March 16, 2023, the FDA authorized the claim for Copenhagen Classic Snuff. The data shows if current adults who smoke switch completely from cigarettes to this product, they would reduce their risk of getting lung cancer. The review also found those public health gains are not expected to be offset by non-users starting to use this product. Click here to read the marketing orders from the FDA.
Our science about smokeless tobacco products is guided by Altria’s Framework for Reduced Harm Products. You can learn more about each of the six sections of the framework and the scientific evidence that supports this product category below:
