Indian state government of Uttarakhand bans production, storage, distribution and sale of chewing tobacco, gutkha and pan masala for one year, effective immediately

Nevin Barich

DEHRADUN, India , October 17, 2012 (The Pioneer) – The State Government has banned the production, storage, distribution and sale of chewing tobacco, gutkha, pan masala and similar products in Uttarakhand with immediate effect in the interest of public health for a year.

Food Safety Commissioner has utilised the powers accorded under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 to ban these tobacco and nicotiene products from October 16 for a period of one year, states a government statement.

The Food Safety commissioner Dr Ranbir Singh has issued the order banning the production, storage and sale of these products in the State. He said that legal action will be taken against those found violating this ban. Officials concerned have been issued instructions to ensure the effective implementation of this ban across the State.

The Food Safety officer should be informed about anyone found violating this prohibition. Dr Singh said that at present about 30 lakh people in Uttarakhand consume tobacco and are prone to the risk of deadly diseases like cancer. About nine lakh Indians die every year from diseases caused by tobacco use. About 30 per cent of the people living in Uttarakhand use tobacco. Published by HT Syndication with permission from Pioneer. For any query with respect to this article or any other content requirement, please contact Editor at htsyndication@hindustantimes.com

(c) 2012 Pioneer

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