Zunheboto, October 31 (MExN): In view of the escalating trend of tobacco use leading to addiction among the youth and the ever-increasing number of tobacco related diseases, office of the Deputy Commissioner, Zunheboto has issued a notification on October 29, stating that the sale of gutka and all twin pack pan masala (containing tobacco and nicotine) conjoined or packaged as a separate product is prohibited in Zunheboto district with immediate effect.
A DIPR report stated that the order has been issued in pursuance of the Supreme Court interim order of September 23, 2016 and the State Government notification vide letter no HFW-23/B/FSSA/2010(PT) dated May 19, 2017 which prohibits manufacture, storage, distribution or sale of gutka, pan masala (containing tobacco or nicotine) and other products marketed separately but having nicotine or tobacco in the final product.
“Non-compliance of the notification would be an offence punishable under section 59 of Food Safety and Standards Act 2006,” the DC Zunheboto added.
