FDA to file 11 cases of gutkha possession

Decision to register complaints against these people for possessing gutkha illegally was taken after the FDA officials got a go-ahead from their seniors

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Pune is all set to file 11 cases in the district court this month against several people for possessing gutka illegally. Possession and sale of gutkha was banned in July 11 last year, and till date the FDA’s Pune division has seized Rs 1.82 crore worth of gutkha from the district.

The decision to register the cases against these people was taken after the FDA officials got a go-ahead from their seniors. “According to the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, a case has to be filed in the district court against those selling unsafe products.
Injurious to health: Till date FDA’s Pune division has seized gutkha worth Rs 1.82 crore from the district.

Hence, we’ll file cases against person from whom we have seized gutkha,” said Dilip Sangat, assistant commissioner, FDA (Food) of Pune division.
“FDA will file the case directly with Chief Judicial Magistrate. Those found guilty will be liable undergo six months of imprisonment and a fine,” said Sangat.
There are around 82 instances where gutkha was seized in district so far, while there have been 11 cases where the FDA has confiscated gutkha last month. These 11 cases will be sent to the court, which will decide the further course of action, informed an FDA officer.