More than 1,200 retailers have been put on notice by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that tobacco sales to minors may result in civil fines.

“While most retail establishments inspected by the FDA have been found to be in compliance with the law, some retailers are still selling cigarettes and smokeless tobacco to minors,” the FDA said in a 10 Nov. statement. Most of the letters sent by the agency were responses to violations involving sales of tobacco to minors, the FDA said.
Officials commissioned by the FDA have conducted more than 27,500 compliance checks. The inspections focus on verification of age and identification documents and compliance on labelling and advertising smokeless tobacco products. Compliance on restrictions covering sales of single cigarettes is checked. Bans on self-service displays and vending machines also are monitored, the FDA said. (ci)