The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued 119 warning letters and filed 41 civil money penalty complaints against brick and mortar retailers for the underage sale of ZYN nicotine pouches. The agency has also issued warning letters to three online retailers for the sale of unauthorized, flavored ZYN nicotine pouches, including Espressino, Black Cherry,…
Navigating the Tricky Waters of the Tobacco Category
As retailers continue to await legislation and clear guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is more important than ever to stay informed and up to date on the current state of the tobacco category. Recently, CStore Decisions caught up with industry professionals in an exclusive webinar that discussed the topic. Presenters included…
FDA Publishes List of Legally Marketable Tobacco Products
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a new Searchable Tobacco Products Database — a user-friendly list of tobacco and e-cigarette products that may be legally marketed in the U.S. “The database is designed to serve the public — especially retailers — by providing this key information in a single location, with easy-to-use search…
Banning Menthol and Flavors Is Probably a Waste of Resources
In an old episode of Seinfeld, an annoying character asks Jerry when they might do lunch. Jerry’s classic answer was “How about never? Does never work for you?” Eleven years ago, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) published a detailed announcement seeking commentary on their intent to ban menthol cigarettes. Three years ago, they issued…
Senators Issue Warning Letters to 22 Retailers/Wholesalers for Sale of Unauthorized Vape Products
Earlier this month, five U.S. senators, led by Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), issued warning letters to 22 major retailers and distributors for the sale of allegedly unauthorized vape products. Other senators involved in the issuing of the letters include Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Richard Blumenthal (D-Ct.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). The…
How the $35 Billion Capital One/Discover Acquisition Could Affect Retailers
In late February, credit card behemoth Capital One revealed its plans to acquire Discover Financial Services for $35 billion. Through an all-stock transaction, Discover Financial shareholders would get the chance to receive Capital One shares priced at only $140. Capital One shareholders would own 60% of the newly merged entity, while Discover shareholders would own…
FDA Files Civil Money Penalty Complaints Against 20 Retailers
As the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to crack down on retailers and vape manufacturers, the administration has now filed complaints for civil money penalties (CMPs) against 20 retailers for the sale of Elf Bar e-cigarettes. The FDA previously issued each retailer a warning letter for the sale of unauthorized e-cigarettes. However, the administration’s…
Growth Energy Commends Lawmakers Supporting Finalization of GREET Model
Biofuel trade association Growth Energy recently issued a statement commending a large, bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers for urging the Biden administration to finalize its revisions to the Department of Energy’s GREET model. The lawmakers’ letter also pushes the administration to ensure that the model makes American biofuel producers eligible for tax credits under the…
Cold Beer May be Getting the Axe in Tennessee C-Stores
C-store retailers in Tennessee are crossing their fingers as a proposed bill could drastically change beverage sales in the state. Last month, two Republican lawmakers proposed banning the sale of cold beer in c-stores — a segment that has proven to be a significant contributor to in-store beverage sales for retailers. Senator Paul Rose and…
Sacramento Looks to Ban Gas Stations
In the 2040 Sacramento General Plan, the California city has proposed banning the construction of new gas stations. The plan also included intentions to add electric vehicle (EV) charging to existing sites. The efforts come as the city attempts to reduce the use of fossil fuels and gas-powered machines in the city. “The City shall…