Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Warns Online Retailers Selling Unauthorized Youth Appealing E-Cigarettes
On July 31, FDA issued warning letters to five online retailers for selling unauthorized disposable e-cigarette products marketed under the brand names Geek Bar, Lost Mary, and Bang. The retailers included Smoke and Vape Company, LLC d/b/a Smoke and Vape Co.; Smoking Vibes LLC d/b/a Smoking Vibes; Cavalry Industries d/b/a Select Vape; HTXW LLC d/b/a FOMO Culture; and Global Supply Allies Inc. d/b/a Vapor Grab.
These warning letters were a result of FDA’s ongoing monitoring of multiple surveillance systems, including a review of various data, to identify emerging products of particular concern that are popular among youth or have youth appeal. For example, emerging data showed Geek Bar – a Chinese-owned and manufactured brand – has recently seen an uptick in sales and can appeal to youth.
Warning letter recipients are given 15 working days to respond with the steps they will take to address the violation(s) cited in the warning letter and to prevent future violations. Failure to promptly address the violations can result in additional FDA actions such as an injunction, seizure, and/or civil money penalties.
