FDA urges Walmart, Kroger and others to sell tobacco to minors

(Reuters) – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Friday it had sent letters to Walmart Inc., Kroger Co and 10 other convenience stores for the sale of tobacco products to minors.

In its letters dated April 5, the FDA asked companies to submit an action plan within 30 days, describing how they would deal with and limit illegal sales to minors.

The other 10 retail chains include Casey's General Store stores, Family Dollar Stores, 7-Eleven Inc. and retail stores managed by Chevron Corp., Royal Dutch Shell, Exxon Mobil Corp., Citgo, Marathon Petroleum, Sunoco LP and BP Plc. (Bit.ly/2Rf82Ve)

"We all share an important responsibility to protect children from harmful and addictive tobacco products. Retailers in particular are at the forefront of these efforts to reduce the impact of smoking and nicotine addiction on health, "the FDA said in its letter.

The FDA has put in place a youth smoking prevention plan as part of its efforts to discourage teens from smoking.

"The letters from new retailers are part of # FDA's ongoing actions as part of its Youth Smoking Prevention Plan and its ongoing commitment to address youth access to all tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, "said on Twitter right here

In February, the regulator announced that it was taking action against some retailers, including the Walgreen Boots Alliance, for violating the rules for the sale of tobacco, including the sale of mined cigars and cigarettes to minors.

None of the 12 companies were available to comment after market hours on Friday.