Jul 15, 2013

FDA seizes gutka worth Rs 18.60 lakh

PUNE: The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) seized gutka worth Rs 18.60 lakh from a godown in Manjari Khurd (Haveli taluka) in Pune district.
The FDA conducted the raid after a tip-off from police officials. "We raided the godown and seized gutka worth Rs 18.60 lakh on July 11. Police have arrested a driver who was loading the truck during the time of raid. The owner of the godown is from Hadapsar and had rented it to a person from Pune a month ago. However, the tenant is currently untraceable," said Shashikant Kekare, joint commissioner, FDA, Pune
Food Safety officials (FSO) S R Adhav along with police sub inspector P S Nalawade conducted the raid under the supervision of S B Kodgire, assistant commissioner (food), FDA.
Last year, state government had banned the manufacturing, storage, distribution as well as sale of gutka and paan masala. The state government also decided to press for long prison terms and fine up to Rs 10 lakh by invoking stringent provisions in the Food and the Security Standards Act, 2006.
"Even small paan shops, hawkers, petty sellers found selling gutka or paan masala can be asked to pay fine up to Rs 25,000. If the seller has not complied with the directions of the FSO then a fine up to Rs 2 lakh can be imposed," said S S Desai, assistant commissioner (food), FDA, Pune.

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