The FDA has sent warning letters to 22 retailers and manufacturers for illegally selling flavoured vape products.
Cartridge-based flavoured pods have been banned since February 6 as the FDA cracks down on products that it believes appeal to youth.
The FDA appears to be targeting non age-restricted retailers rather than adult-only vape shops.
All 16 of the recent round of letters to retailers were sent to convenience stores or gas stations such as Shell and 7-Eleven.
“A top priority for the FDA remains protecting youth from the dangers of tobacco use, and in particular, combating the concerning youth e-cigarette use epidemic that is affecting children, families, schools and communities.
“We are committed to holding retailers and manufacturers accountable for marketing and sales practices that have led to increased youth accessibility and appeal of e-cigarettes.
“We will be using our regulatory authority to address youth e-cigarette use by focusing on the products that are most popular among kids,”
FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D
The agency announced its enforcement priorities earlier this year as it aims to take control of the so-called youth vaping epidemic.
It is targeting flavoured cartridge-base products, such as JUUL, other vape products where the manufacture hasn’t taken steps to prevent youth access and products that are targeted or likely to appeal to youth.
The House of Representatives approved a ban on all flavoured products on February 28.
However, White House advisers have urged the president to veto the bill, citing the harm-reduction of e-cigarettes and the lack of evidence supporting a menthol e-liquid ban.
Header Image by JOSHUA COLEMAN on Unsplash
