New Delhi, Dec. 31 -- In a development that is alarming policy makers and public health experts, India's oral nicotine pouch manufacturers are seeking permission to sell products of 6mg strength that are 50% more potent than the current maximum, offering them as therapeutic medical products under the nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) regime, according to two officials and documents reviewed by Mint.

With the government running awareness campaigns against tobacco use in the country, this has sparked concerns of nicotine initiation and long-term addiction.

The latest development pertains to Vcherish Pvt. Ltd, Harsh Nutricare Pvt. Ltd, Lyrus Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd, Fertin India Pvt. Ltd and Leaf Fibers Pvt. Ltd approaching the country's a...