FDA Says it Will Fine Kroger, Walmart, and Other Stores for Selling this to Minors

In an effort to stop minors from smoking cigarettes, the Food and Drug Administration has threatened big box retailer Walmart, as well as grocery chain Kroger, and other convenience store chains for selling tobacco to minors.

The agency has said it will fine the retailers if they do not stop selling the products to minors illegally.
According to the FDA there has been high rates of violations in nearly identical letters sent to retailers last week.

Other retailers that were threatened by the agency and received letters were 7-Eleven, BP, Casey’s General Stores, Chevron, Citgo, Exxon, Marathon Petroleum, Shell and Sunoco.

The FDA has given them 30 days to submit a detailed plan describing how they will mitigate illegal tobacco sales to minors.

“Retailers in particular are on the front lines of these efforts to reduce the health consequences of tobacco use and nicotine dependence,” the FDA said. “Because tobacco use is almost always initiated and established during adolescence, early intervention — including making sure tobacco products aren’t being sold to minors —is critical.”

Walmart had a violation rate of about 17% while 7-Eleven had a rate of about 25%. BP and Citgo had violation rates of 35%.

“This violative history is disturbing and cannot possibly come as a surprise to corporate leadership,” the FDA said to the companies

.Disclaimer: We have no position in any of the companies mentioned and have not been compensated for this article.