Even as the Pune division of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received a gazette notification banning the production, storage, sale and distribution of gutka and paan masala on Friday, 10 food safety officers (FSOs) immediately went to inspect the premises of major gutka wholesalers in the city.
Joint commissioner (food) Shashikant Kekre told DNA that the ban comes into force with immediate effect. “Small paan shops caught selling or stocking the product attracts a fine up to Rs25,000; wholesalers and distributors found violating the act might attract up to Rs1 lakh fine and 6 months’ imprisonment,” he said.
“We have a list of 15 major wholesalers in Pune city and our inspections have begun. If stocks are found, our officers will collect samples. The stocks would be then sealed and prohibited for usage. Appropriate action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 including filing first information report against the wholesaler will be taken,” added Kekre.
The gazette order issued by state government on Friday states that sale, manufacture, storage and distribution is banned in Maharashtra for period of one year. It instructs FSOs to collect samples and seal stocks as well as spread awareness amongst public about the ban.
The order clearly states the onus of implementing the ban lies on FSOs. The FDA has also been instructed to notify local district education officers to spread awareness about ban on gutka and paan masala in students.
“The order states that help of octroi officials should be taken to ensure that banned products do not enter the state from elsewhere. It states that vehicles be checked at octroi posts and if gutka or paan masala is found, stocks be seized and local FSO as well as police be informed,” added Kekre.
A copy of the order is to be sent to local police commissioner and rural police superintendents for action.
Joint commissioner (food) Shashikant Kekre told DNA that the ban comes into force with immediate effect. “Small paan shops caught selling or stocking the product attracts a fine up to Rs25,000; wholesalers and distributors found violating the act might attract up to Rs1 lakh fine and 6 months’ imprisonment,” he said.
“We have a list of 15 major wholesalers in Pune city and our inspections have begun. If stocks are found, our officers will collect samples. The stocks would be then sealed and prohibited for usage. Appropriate action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 including filing first information report against the wholesaler will be taken,” added Kekre.
The gazette order issued by state government on Friday states that sale, manufacture, storage and distribution is banned in Maharashtra for period of one year. It instructs FSOs to collect samples and seal stocks as well as spread awareness amongst public about the ban.
The order clearly states the onus of implementing the ban lies on FSOs. The FDA has also been instructed to notify local district education officers to spread awareness about ban on gutka and paan masala in students.
“The order states that help of octroi officials should be taken to ensure that banned products do not enter the state from elsewhere. It states that vehicles be checked at octroi posts and if gutka or paan masala is found, stocks be seized and local FSO as well as police be informed,” added Kekre.
A copy of the order is to be sent to local police commissioner and rural police superintendents for action.
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