Federal investigators cracking down on the sale of vaping products to minors

Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at 10:51 AM

By FDA

Four in Jefferson Co. cited

Federal investigators are cracking down on the sale of vaping products to children, and hundreds of Indiana businesses have been cited during undercover inspections.

A review of FDA data obtained by 13 Investigates shows FDA investigators have issued 267 violation notices to Indiana retailers that sold E-liquid products to minors in 2018 and 2019.

The violation notices include 208 warning letters issued to stores accused of selling vaping supplies to kids for the first time, as well as 59 civil money penalties sent to retailers cited for repeat violations.

Both federal and Indiana law prohibit the sale of tobacco products, including vaping liquids, to anyone under 18 years old. Retailers are required to check the photo identifications of customers to verify their legal age prior to a sale.

Most of the violations took place at vape shops, gas stations and convenience stores – the most popular retail locations for teens to purchase vaping products. Circle K, Citgo, Marathon, Kroger, Marathon, Meijer, Low Bob’s, Obadiah’s, Dollar General and Walmart are among dozens of businesses named in the notices.

During undercover inspections, FDA inspectors found the vape products sold to minors in 84 different cities and towns across Indiana. They issued the largest number of violations to retailers in Indianapolis (70), Fort Wayne (26), Mishawaka (11) and New Albany (10). Stores in southeastern Indiana include Madison, Greensburg, Osgood, Laurel, Batesville, and North Vernon.

Violations in Indiana for selling vaping supplies to minors

In Madison:

CIRLCE K 224 EAST 2ND STREET MADISON Vuse 1/2/2019 3/21/2019 Warning Letter Issued

MURPHY USA 553 IVY TECH DRIVE MADISON JUUL 2/6/2019 4/4/2019 Warning Letter Issued

SUNOCO 7483 W SR 256 MADISON JUUL 1/7/2019 3/28/2019 Warning Letter Issued

WAL-MART 1327 567 IVY TECH DR MADISON Vuse 1/21/2019 3/28/2019 Warning Letter Issued

While the FDA issues only a warning for first-time violations, penalties quickly escalate for repeat offenses. A second violation within 12 months costs retailers $285, with a third and fourth violation within a 24-month period costing $570 and $2,282 respectively.