Geek Bar sales increase in the US draws FDA attention, multiple retailers receive warning letters

Geek Bar sales increase in the US draws FDA attention, multiple retailers receive warning letters

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warning letters to five online retailers for selling unauthorized disposable e-cigarette products, including brands such as Geek Bar, Lost Mary and Bang. The agency specifically pointed out that the sales of Chinese e-cigarette brand Geek Bar have surged, posing a potential risk of attracting teenagers.

[Two Supreme News] On July 31, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warning letters to five online retailers for selling unauthorized disposable e-cigarette products, which were sold under the brands Geek Bar, Lost Mary and Bang.

The retailers warned include:

Smoke and Vape Company, LLC (d/b/a Smoke and Vape Co.);

Smoking Vibes LLC (d/b/a Smoking Vibes);

Cavalry Industries (d/b/a Select Vape);

HTXW LLC (d/b/a FOMO Culture);

Global Supply Allies Inc. (d/b/a Vapor Grab).

These warning letters are the result of the FDA's ongoing monitoring of multiple surveillance systems, including reviewing various data to identify emerging products that are attractive to or popular among teenagers. For example, the latest data shows that Chinese e-cigarette brand Geek Bar has recently seen an increase in sales and may attract teenagers.

The FDA said that retailers who receive warning letters have 15 business days to respond and explain what steps they will take to address the violations noted in the warning letter and prevent future violations. If the violations are not resolved in a timely manner, the FDA may take further action, such as injunctions, seizures, and/or civil penalties.

As of August 1, 2024, the FDA has authorized 34 e-cigarette products and devices. The FDA holds retailers accountable for selling unauthorized tobacco products, especially those that are popular among teenagers. To date, the FDA has issued more than 680 warning letters to companies that manufacture, sell and/or distribute unauthorized novel tobacco products, more than 690 warning letters to retailers that sell unauthorized tobacco products, and filed civil penalty complaints against 64 manufacturers and more than 140 retailers for distributing and/or selling unauthorized tobacco products.