FDA Issues Warnings to 14 Online Retailers for Unauthorized E-Cigarettes

According to an announcement issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 1st, the FDA has recently sent warning letters to 14 online retailers for selling e-cigarette products without authorization from the FDA. The products are also popular among teenagers. The warning letters involve well-known e-cigarette brands such as Elf Bar/EB Design, Esco Bars, Funky Republic, Hyde, Kang, Cali Bars, and Lost Mary.

According to the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Consumption Survey, out of over 2.1 million adolescents reported currently using e-cigarette products, more than 50% are using Elf Bar products, while over 20% are using Esco Bar products.

Retailers who receive these warning letters, for selling or distributing e-cigarette products in the United States without FDA authorization, are in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Recipients of the warning letters must respond within 15 business days and detail the actions they will take to address the violations mentioned in the warning letter and prevent future occurrences. Failure to promptly address these violations may prompt the FDA to take further action, such as injunctions, seizures, and/or civil penalties.