FDA, FTC Send Letters To Vape Companies That Hire 'Influencers'

The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission sent warning letters to several companies that paid social media "influencers" to promote vaping products. 

The letters detail several violations, including not providing a nicotine warning statement. 

The letters are part of the FDA's Youth Tobacco Prevention Plan, which is aimed at limiting young people's access to all tobacco products.

The FDA and FTC letters targeted companies including Solace Technologies LLC, Hype City Vapors LLC, Humble Juice Co. LLC and Artist Liquids Laboratories LLC. 

In November, the FDA said vaping had risen by nearly 80% among high schoolers and nearly 50% among middle schoolers since 2017.

In a statement Friday, the acting FDA commissioner said, "Research shows many youth are mistaken or unaware of the risks and the presence of nicotine in e-cigarettes." 

The companies have 15 working days to respond to the letters with specific actions they're going to take to address the agencies' concerns. If the violations aren't corrected, "further action" will be taken.