FDA Targets Unauthorized E-Cigarettes at Trade Show

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken decisive action against manufacturers and retailers selling unauthorized e-cigarette products. The agency issued six warning letters to companies promoting these products at an industry trade show and five additional letters to online retailers selling popular youth-oriented brands.

FDA Targets Illegal E-Cigarette Sales at Trade Show

Following observations made by FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) staff at the trade show, the agency conducted investigations and issued warning letters to six retailers and manufacturers for selling or distributing unauthorized e-cigarette products. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, selling and distributing unauthorized tobacco products is illegal, even at industry events like trade shows or expos.

John Verbeten, Director of CTP’s Office of Compliance and Enforcement, emphasized that the agency obtains leads from various sources, including trade shows, to inform investigations. He reiterated the FDA’s commitment to identifying and taking action against those breaking the law.

FDA Targets Online Retailers Selling Youth-Popular E-Cigarette Brands

The FDA also issued warning letters to five online retailers for selling unauthorized e-cigarette products popular among youth. These products were marketed under the brand names Breeze, Mr. Fog, and Raz. The recently released 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey identified Breeze and Mr. Fog as two of the five most commonly used brands among youth who use e-cigarettes. Raz, another popular brand, offers youth-appealing flavors like sour mango pineapple and razzle dazzle.

The companies receiving these warning letters sold or distributed e-cigarette products without FDA marketing authorization, violating the law. Recipients have 15 working days to respond with steps they will take to address the violations and prevent future occurrences. Failure to address the violations promptly can result in additional FDA actions, such as injunctions, seizures, and/or civil money penalties.

Ongoing Efforts to Combat Unauthorized E-Cigarettes

These actions are part of the FDA’s ongoing efforts to crack down on unauthorized e-cigarettes across the supply chain. Throughout the past year, the agency has conducted inspections of retailers selling unauthorized e-cigarettes, resulting in over 690 warning letters and more than 140 civil money penalty actions.

During 2023-2024, e-cigarette use among U.S. youth dropped by nearly 25%, decreasing from 2.13 million to 1.63 million youth users. To date, the FDA has authorized only 34 e-cigarette products and devices for lawful marketing and sale in the United States. Information on legally marketed tobacco products is available in FDA’s Searchable Tobacco Products Database.

News source: FDA Takes Action Against Unauthorized E-Cigarettes Promoted at Industry Trade Show

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.

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