FDA Orders 10 E-Cigarette Manufacturers to Cease Sales of Certain Products

On Monday, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued ten warning letters to manufacturers and retailers who sell, manufacture, and/or import unauthorized electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) products targeted to youth or likely to promote use by youth. The warning letters targeted unauthorized products, including backpacks and sweatshirts designed with stealth pockets to hold and conceal an electronic cigarette, an ENDS product resembling a smartwatch, or devices appearing as children’s toys. FDA’s letters also included warnings to companies marketing e-liquids that imitate packaging for food products that often are marketed and appeal to youth, such as candy or feature cartoon characters.

FDA indicated these letters are part of FDA’s ongoing enforcement efforts against ENDS and other electronic cigarette products that are targeted to youth or likely to promote use by youth. If recipients of the warning letters do not cease the manufacture, distribution, and/or sale of these unauthorized tobacco products, the entities face additional FDA actions, including injunction, seizure, and/or civil money penalty actions.

FDA additionally issued warning letters to 73 brick-and-mortar retailers, including three in California, selling unauthorized flavored, cartridge-based ENDS products.

The full announcement from FDA is available here.