Unauthorized E-Cigarette Sales In Delco Prompt FDA Warnings

CHESTER, PA — Two Delaware County businesses have been warned after federal authorities said they sold unauthorized e-cigarettes

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued warning letters to 189 businesses across the nation for selling unauthorized tobacco products, specifically Elf Bar and Esco Bars electronic nicotine delivery systems, AKA e-cigarettes.

Among the warned businesses are two in Chester.

They are Chester Shop and Save Market and Sunoco/A Plus.

According to the FDA, Shop and Save, located at 1516 W. Ninth St., sold Elfbar Watermelon Bubble Gum and Elfbar Blue Razz Ice e-cigarettes.

Sunoco/A Plus, 1120 Township Line Road, sold Elfbar Rainbow Candy and Elfbar Cranberry Punch e-cigarettes, the FDA said.

These products are in flavors known to appeal to youth, including bubblegum and cotton candy, according to the FDA.

Additionally, Elf Bar and Esco Bars products do not have the required marketing authorization from the FDA.

"The FDA is prepared to use all of its authorities to ensure these, and other illegal and youth-appealing products, stay out of the hands of kids," FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D., said. "We are committed to a multipronged approach using regulation, compliance and enforcement action and education to protect our nation’s youth."

These letters were issued as part of a nationwide retailer inspection blitz over the past several weeks.

The blitz aimed at cracking down on the sale of unauthorized e-cigarettes.

The FDA generally sends warning letters the first time an inspection or investigation reveals a violation of the law, and recipients are given 15 working days to respond with the steps they’ll take to correct the violation and to prevent future violations.