FDACS Stop-Sale Orders: Controlled Substance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an FDACS Controlled Substance stop-sale order?

An FDACS Controlled Substance stop-sale order requires a Florida food establishment to immediately stop selling or using a product that violates 500.10(1)(a), 581.217(3)(e), F.S., 893.03(1)(c)190.a., F.S. Kratom, synthetic cannabinoids, and other controlled substances are being sold in Florida convenience stores, gas stations, and smoke shops — often packaged to look like ordinary food products or supplements. Florida law prohibits the retail sale of products containing substances scheduled under Chapter 893 of the Florida Statutes. Many of these products are marketed with innocuous names and branding that conceals their actual contents. FDACS inspectors have issued over 20,000 controlled substance stop-sales since 2022 — each one a product that was on a store shelf, accessible to any customer, including minors. FDACS has issued 20016 such orders across 943 Florida facilities.

What happens when FDACS issues a stop-sale order for Controlled Substance?

When FDACS issues a Controlled Substance stop-sale order, the affected products must immediately be removed from sale or use. The establishment cannot sell, distribute, or use the flagged products until FDACS approves corrective action. Violating a stop-sale order can result in additional penalties under Florida Statutes Chapter 500.

Which Florida businesses receive Controlled Substance stop-sale orders?

FDACS inspects and issues stop-sale orders to grocery stores, convenience stores, food manufacturers, bakeries, mobile food vendors, and vending machine operators. Controlled Substance stop-sale orders have been issued at 943 Florida facilities, with 5,023 orders in the past 12 months.

What law covers FDACS Controlled Substance stop-sale orders?

FDACS Controlled Substance stop-sale orders are issued under 500.10(1)(a), 581.217(3)(e), F.S., 893.03(1)(c)190.a., F.S. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) enforces Florida Statutes Chapter 500 and Florida Administrative Code 5K-4, which adopt FDA Food Code standards for food safety and labeling compliance.