WASHINGTON - Exercising their new federal powers regulating tobacco products, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week warned 25 Mississippi convenience stores to stop selling cigarettes to minors, Reuters reports.

The FDA said it sent the stores warning letters for failing to check IDs and for selling cigarettes to minors during inspections in November. It said unless the stores take corrective measures, they could face fines or a ban on selling tobacco products.

The move is a clear sign that regulators are actively using new powers given to them in 2009. It also puts tobacco retailers on notice that they can expect tougher scrutiny.

"If inspectors identify violations, the FDA will take swift actions to protect young people," said Lawrence Deyton, head of the FDA's new tobacco center.

Mississippi is one of 15 states using state inspectors to conduct the FDA investigations. The agency plans to expand the program to all 50 states.

The FDA announcement came two days after the agency said cigarette manufacturers must provide regulators with detailed information about the ingredients of products that they have introduced or modified since 2007 or face penalties.