Gottlieb names chains accused of flouting rules on sales to youth

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner Scott Gottlieb has announced new action against retailers selling tobacco products to minors and e-cigarette manufacturers who fail to comply with labelling and advertising regulations.

Following inspections under the policy of “combatting” youth access to e-cigarettes, the FDA has identified 15 national retailers it says are selling tobacco products to under-18s. Those accused of the greatest number of violations of the law (between 35% and 44% of inspected stores) are fuel station chains BP, Exxon, Marathon, Citgo, Sunoco and Mobil.

Between 25% and 34% of inspections in convenience store chain 7-Eleven found shops were selling tobacco products to minors. And the FDA inspectors also found violations in variety store chain Family Dollar and Walmart department stores, among others.