New section 53(2A), which will be inserted by clause 26 of the Bill, effectively bans non-tobacco nicotine pouches which are used by up to 10,000 New Zealanders as an alternative to smoking. During the consideration of the bill the Ministry of Health advised the Health Select Committee that oral nicotine products are significantly less harmful than smoking. As oral tobacco-free nicotine pouches are administered through the oral route (between the top lip and the gum) no respiratory risk is associated and the route of administration has been proven through nicotine gum and sprays with no adverse health problems.