Telangana government has banned the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of Gutka and Pan Masala, which contains tobacco and nicotine in the state. The ban was issued on Saturday.
Citing public health concerns, the Commissioner of Food Safety issued the order and specified that the prohibition comes under clause (a) of Sub-section (2) of Section 30 of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 rcad with 2.3.4 of Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulation 2011.
Chaos in markets:
The order caused chaos in markets over the weekend with many pan shop owners willing to comply but will face difficulties because of the unorganised nature of the sector.
“There are about 1.5 lakh pan shops in Telangana and many owners across the state are displaying posters outside their shops that they don’t sell gutka,” Telangana Pan shop association president Mohammed Salahuddin Dakhni was quoted as saying by The Hindu.
Some pan shop owners said that such orders were issued in the past as well and people who want to find it will make their way into it. They also stated that due to the bans, the product ends up being sold in the black market at increased prices.
Dr K Syed Akram, Medical Director of Renova Bibi cancer Hospital said that the ban on the product is crucial to combating oral cancer. It contains harmful ingredients like betel nut and tobacco which increase the chances of oral cancer. This measure will save lives and lessen the burden on hospitals, he said.
Gutka and pan masala may end up in the black market at double or triple the prices due to the ban, some pan shop owners said. Food safety commissioner issued the ban citing public health concerns. Telangana States News India: Top News India, States News, States News Headlines, Online State News India, State Politics news
