Valo Sweden files criminal complaint against advisor in nicotine pouch flavor list controversy

Valo Sweden, a company producing nicotine pouches in Sweden, is seeking to determine who is responsible for the flavor list included in the tobacco law deliberations last spring. CEO Timo Nurminen stated that the company has filed a criminal complaint against Anna Abrahamsson, a special advisor to former Minister of Education and Culture Anna-Maja Henriksson.

“We want to find out who in the Ministry of Education is ultimately responsible for this issue. Is Abrahamsson accountable, or has she acted solely under Henriksson’s directives?” Nurminen explained.

According to Helsingin Sanomat, Abrahamsson submitted a list of flavors to the government framework negotiations that corresponds to those made by Habit Factory in Pietarsaari, Henriksson’s hometown. The new law, demanded by the Swedish People’s Party (RKP), includes not only menthol and mint but also flavors like wood, tea, rosemary, and ginger. Habit Factory produces all the flavors listed.

Nurminen believes these events constitute a professional error and abuse of office. “Special advisors are, in a sense, in a civil service relationship, so they are regarded as officials.”

Yle has not managed to reach Anna Abrahamsson for comment.

The controversy regarding nicotine pouches led Minister of Social Affairs Sanni Grahn-Laasonen to withdraw the nicotine pouch legislation. A revised proposal will be presented to Parliament as soon as possible, limiting permitted flavors to menthol and mint only. Valo Sweden filed its criminal complaint on October 16, shortly after reports about the flavor list became public, indicating a need to investigate Henriksson’s involvement as well.

Nurminen stated that the criminal complaint was reviewed on October 20, with the Helsinki police department now handling the matter. He anticipates that the investigation could take several months. The first report about the complaint was by the Demokraatti newspaper.