Chandigarh gutka ban: Tobacco pan masala sale, storage and distribution prohibited
Chandigarh has imposed a one-year ban on gutka and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine, covering their sale, manufacture, storage and distribution
PTC Web Desk: People in Chandigarh will not be able to legally buy gutka or pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine for the next one year after the UT administration imposed a fresh ban on these products.
The order covers more than just their sale. The manufacturing, storage and distribution of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine have also been prohibited.
The order was issued by Food Safety Commissioner Mandip Singh Brar and was published in the Chandigarh administration's gazette on September 18. The restriction will remain in force for one year from the date of the order.
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The administration said the prohibition applies to tobacco and nicotine-containing products marketed under different names and brands.
The action has been taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The order also refers to Regulation 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011.
The regulation prohibits the use of tobacco and nicotine as ingredients in food products.
Anyone found manufacturing, storing, selling or distributing products covered by the order could face action under the relevant food safety laws.
Administration cites health concerns
The Chandigarh Administration said the move was taken in the public interest, citing the health risks associated with products containing tobacco and nicotine.
The fresh order comes at a time when the UT administration is also stepping up its focus on tackling the illegal drug trade.
Police given September 30 deadline on drug trade
Recently, UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria directed the police and administration to take steps to eliminate the illicit drug trade and set September 30 as the deadline.
He warned that station house officers and field-level personnel could face action if illegal drug sales continued after the deadline.