FDA Calls Out Corporate and Franchise Retailers for Allegedly Selling Tobacco to Minors

CNBC reported today that the Food and Drug Administration has cornered numerous corporate-owned and franchise retailers for allegedly selling tobacco products to underage consumers. The list includes 7-Eleven, Kroger, BP and Walgreens, according to CNBC.

In a statement, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said he plans to ask these companies about current policies and how they will improve them, according to CNBC. Walgreens, the worst offender among pharmacies that carry tobacco products, said it will commit to asking for ID from all tobacco-buying customers and take stronger disciplinary action against employees who violate the policy, according to CNBC.

“But we know that Walgreens isn’t alone,” the FDA stated in a press release. “There are a number of other national, corporate-owned chains and franchise stores with disturbingly high rates of violations for illegal sales of tobacco products to minors. In total, we’ve identified 15 national retail chains, either corporate-owned or franchised, whose rates of violative inspections exceed 15 percent of their total inspected stores since the inception of the FDA’s retailer compliance check inspection program in 2010.”

Emily Clouse is a staff writer for 1851 Franchise. Her work has been featured with publications such as The Onion, Reductress, and Chicago Magazine. She graduated from The Ohio State University before running away to join the Peace Corps. In her free time, she enjoys drawing and walking to Jewel-Osco.