FDA Warns Websites of Penalties & Detention for Flavored and 'Modified Risk' Cigarettes
The Food and Drug Administration warned three tobacco product vendors that they face civil penalties and/or refusal of their products at the border if they continue to offer flavored and “modified risk” cigarettes for sale in the U.S. In warning letters sent to Karl Bergman (here) (pennycigarettes.com and saveonfags.com) and Dumitru Chitoroaga (here) (juicynewt.com), both of Moldova, the FDA said the companies sold cigarettes branded as apple, cherry, and mint flavored, which are either adulterated if actually flavored or misbranded if not. Additionally, both companies sold cigarettes described as “light” or “ultra-light” cigarettes, which as “modified risk” tobacco products are prohibited for sale in the U.S. A similar warning letter sent to cigs360.com of Australia (here) also alleged sale of “modified risk” cigarettes in the U.S.
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Unless the companies correct these violations, FDA said, it may initiate further action without notice, including civil penalties, no-tobacco-sale orders, criminal prosecution, seizure, and/or injunction. FDA also said adulterated and misbranded tobacco products offered for importation into the U.S. are subject to detention and refusal of admission.