FDA warns companies selling flavored cigarettes online

Washington, DC -- The Food and Drug Administration is warning several companies it says are still selling banned flavored cigarettes to U.S. consumers online.

The agency sent letters to more than a dozen Web-based companies directing them to stop selling the products and asking the companies to describe in writing what action they have taken.

The FDA banned candy-, fruit- and clove-flavored cigarettes in September. Federal health authorities and regulators say those products appeal especially to young people and are intended to attract new smokers.

The FDA won authority over some aspects of the tobacco industry in June. It can now ban certain products, limit nicotine allowed in others and regulate their marketing.