According to Medical Express, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action to crack down on e-cigarettes disguised as everyday products and toys.
The agency sent warning letters to seven online retailers for selling unauthorized vaping devices designed to look like smoothies, toys and cell phones. According to Medical Express, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration believes that e-cigarettes are designed to appeal to young people, are easier to conceal from adults, and may be mistaken for everyday products by young children.
"As we enter the new school year, it's important that parents, teachers and other adults be aware that illegal e-cigarettes are being disguised as everyday products," Brian King, director of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products, said in an agency news release. "These products are easy to conceal and contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can damage young people's developing brains."
Retailers that receive warning letters for selling or distributing e-cigarettes without FDA authorization now have 15 business days to respond to the warning letters. They must describe the steps they will take to correct violations and prevent future violations, Medical Express reported. If they don't respond, these retailers could face injunctions, seizures and civil penalties.
