Kroger, Dillons parent company, is discontinuing its sale of e-cigarettes.

The retailer made the announcement Monday saying it will no longer sell the device at all stores and fuel center locations

The move comes amid an outbreak of lung injuries linked to e-cigarettes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than a 1,000 confirmed and probable cases have been reported from 48 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

At least 18 people have died.

Dillons released this statement:

“Kroger (including Dillons) is discontinuing the sale of electronic nicotine delivery products, or e-cigarettes, at all store and fuel center locations due to the mounting questions and increasingly-complex regulatory environment associated with these products. The company will exit this category after selling through its current inventory.” – Sheila Lowrie, Corporate Affairs Manager.

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