Federal Prisons Suspend Nicotine Pouch Sales Amid Questions Over FDA Authorization

The Bureau of Prisons has halted sales of nicotine pouches in federal prisons while reviewing concerns about FDA authorization and procurement practices.

The U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has suspended the purchase and sale of flavored nicotine pouches in federal prison commissaries after concerns emerged about the product’s regulatory status and the process for selecting its supplier.

The nicotine pouches, marketed under the brand mindSHFT, were supplied by Florida-based SHFT Holdings Enterprise LLC, a company formed shortly after the BOP began exploring nicotine pouch options for inmates. According to federal officials, the products are under review after questions were raised about whether they had received authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

BOP officials said nicotine pouches were introduced to help reduce the trafficking of contraband tobacco and nicotine products inside prisons. However, following consultations with the FDA and internal legal reviews, the agency directed facilities to stop ordering the products until further notice.  4500.12 CN-1 Trust Fund/Deposit Fund Manual (3/06/25)

The review has also drawn attention to the vendor selection process, as SHFT Holdings was reportedly the only approved supplier despite the absence of a traditional public bidding process. Company representatives maintain they followed all available procurement channels and state that FDA applications for the products have been submitted and accepted for review.

The Bureau of Prisons said no health incidents linked to the nicotine pouches have been reported. 

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bureau-prisons-nicotine-pouches-prisoners/