FDA, FTC crack down on e-cigarette liquid sold in kid-friendly packaging

Federal regulators sent 13 warning letters to companies making and selling e-cigarette liquids, telling them to make changes to certain products’ packaging that resemble kid-friendly items such as juice boxes, whipped cream and cookies.

{mosads}The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission requested the companies respond within 15 business days on specific actions to address the agency’s concerns. If they don’t comply, additional action may follow, such as a seizure or an injunction.

“No child should be using any tobacco product, and no tobacco products should be marketed in a way that endangers kids – especially by using imagery that misleads them into thinking the products are things they’d eat or drink,” FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said in news release.

Nick Warrender — CEO of Lifted Liquids, which received a warning letter — said the company already changed the packaging resembling Warheads candies in November 2017. The product was taken off shelves, he said, and the logo was changed to resemble a bearded man vaping. He said he was surprised to receive the letter since the changes were made six months ago.

Other companies could not be reached immediately for comment.

The warning letters sent Tuesday are part of the FDA’s Youth Tobacco Prevention Plan, which is aiming to decrease youth access to tobacco products.