Stakeholders should avoid marketing Gutkha

JAMMU: The Commissioner of Food Safety issued Notification vide SRO-68 on 6th March, 2013 prohibiting manufacture, storage, sale, transportation, display or distribution of Gutkha by whatever name and Pan Masala/Zarda containing tobacco or nicotine as ingredients by whatsoever name with immediate effect in the interest of public health. However, it has been observed that availability of Gutkha and Pan Masala containing and / or nicotine continues in violation of the above said notification despite keeping the above notification in public domain through print and electronic media.
It is therefore impressed upon all stake holders to observe and secure due diligence for compliance of the said prohibition. The enforcement officers appointed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 are hereby directed to take cognisance of any violation on this account as per mandate of law, stated Controller, Drug Food Control Jammu through a press release issued on Thursday.
Violation of the prohibition order can invite seizure of above said product along with legal action as prescribed under the aforesaid Act.
It is impressed upon all the designated officers and Food Safety Officers to utilise the services of Public Prosecutors available at District Headquarters for seeking necessary legal guidance in the matters arising out of implementation of the provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 as well as pending Court cases pertaining to repealed Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, the release added.
However, this arrangement shall apply only when the Standing Counsels appointed by the Law Department for DFCO are not able to provide the required guidance owing to their preoccupation or feasibility. It may also be noted that henceforth no excuse for eviction of offenders booked for contravention of provisions warranting legal action shall be accepted on account of default construed on this account i.e. non-availability of legal counseling. The defaulting officials shall invite strict administrative action for such lapses, the release maintained.