FDA tells retailers to stop selling tobacco to minors

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sent warning letters to more than 1,200 retailers regarding violations relating to selling tobacco to minors.

The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act gives the FDA authority to regulate tobacco products to prevent use by minors. One of the law's provisions permits the FDA to contract with states and territories to conduct compliance check inspections of tobacco retailers. In 2011, the FDA awarded compliance contracts totaling more than $24 million to 38 states.

As of today, FDA-commissioned officials have conducted more than 27,500 compliance checks, the agency noted. While most retail establishments have been found to be in compliance with the law, some are still selling cigarettes and smokeless tobacco to minors.

The warning letters may be followed by civil money penalties if retailers continue to violate the law, the agency said.