‘Genetically modified crops no panacea for food security’

A good INTERVIEW in HINDU regarding Genetic Modified (GM) Crops ...!

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Basudeb Acharia. ‘We are not against new technology in the farm sector but it should be in the interest of farmers without undermining the rights of consumers.’

The debate on the pros and cons of genetically engineered/modified crops is universal. In India, in the face of vociferous protests, the controversy has only deepened leading to a moratorium on cultivation of Bt Brinjal crop — the first GM food crop sought to be commercialised. Gargi Parsai spoke to Basudeb Acharia, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, on its new report, “Cultivation of Genetically Modified Food Crops — Prospects and Effects.”

The government asserts that GM crops are essential for food security of India’s growing population. What is your take?

GM is not the panacea. We have 2,200 varieties of Brinjal. If we allow GM Brinjal, all our varieties will get contaminated and vanish as has happened in cotton. When the committee members visited Yavatmal in Vidarbha, we asked farmers why they were growing Bt cotton if the input costs were high and profits were low. They said they had no other option as alternate seeds were no longer available.

Initially a 450 gm packet of Monsanto’s Bt cotton seeds was sold at Rs 1,700. Then after the Andhra Pradesh government challenged this in court, it was brought down to Rs.750 per packet but the royalty of Rs.250 per packet is paid to Monsanto that developed the seed. Last year, a packet was sold between Rs.1,200 to Rs.2,000 because of the monopoly of this private seed company. An artificial scarcity was created and the price was hiked. This will happen in Bt brinjal too if it is allowed.

If our quest is for food security then why must we select this technology which has nothing to do with food security? The only motive behind this is profit for the seed companies.

What are the major recommendations of your committee?

We have said that the government must not allow field trials of GM crops till there is a strong, revamped, multi-disciplinary regulatory system in place. We studied the regulatory system in different countries and found that the one in Norway was the best.

We have recommended a thorough probe into the permission given to commercialisation of Bt Brinjal right from the beginning till a moratorium was imposed in 2010. Also that there should be examination of research reports and assessment by independent scientists of Bt Brinjal by an agency other than the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), which gave approval on its own assessment, to avoid conflict of interest.

The panel recommended re-evaluation of all research findings in Bt cotton seeds in the light of studies that highlighted inexplicable changes in the organs and tissues of Bt-cotton seed-fed lambs.

Having noticed several shortcomings in the functioning, composition, powers and mandate of GEAC and the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) in their regulatory role, we have recommended to our sister committees on Science and Technology and Environment and Forests to do a comprehensive examination and report to Parliament.

There should be mandatory labelling of products from GM crops, unchecked import of GM products should be stopped and we have suggested that alternate organic farming should be encouraged, for which, as of now, there is no government support. An explanation has been sought from the Department of Consumer Affairs as to why no examination was done of the lakhs of tonnes of Bt cotton seed oil extracted from Bt cotton that has entered the food chain.

What are the chief concerns?

GM technology cannot be the monopoly of one company, as in Bt cotton. The benefits that were assured from Bt cotton cultivation are not coming because new pests have appeared. Farmers have to use more pesticide and chemical fertilizers, as a result of which there has been an increase in input costs and reduction in profit margins leading to farmer’s indebtedness and suicides.

Does it worry you that GM foods can enter the country without checks? Only if the exporter or the importer makes a declaration will authorities know that GM products are entering the country.

That is the weakness in law. There is only a Food Lab in Kolkata under the Ministry of Health and which is not well-equipped. The new Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is supposed to do it. The government must enact a legislation to protect the rights of consumers. Today, consumers have no rights and no means to know which imported food contains GM. There should be compulsory testing and labelling of GM food entering the country.

Now that the report is out, what do you expect the government to do?

The moratorium on Bt Brinjal should continue. All field trials of GM crops should discontinue. They should only be done in confined area in labs, the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) Bill should be reviewed so that there is no conflict of interest as the promotion of biotech and regulation cannot be under one body. You cannot compare with the United States as in India, 80 to 82 per farmers are small and marginal.

Why do you think the government is allowing this?

Because of pressure from the United States. Because since 1991, the government is pursuing neo-liberal economic policies — all are inter-related. You will find the difference in the agrarian crisis in the pre-1991 and post-1991 period. Suicides of farmers started from 1996-97. Before that there were isolated incidents. Just as it is now — there is pressure from the U.S. on India to allow 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail trade so that Walmart can come.

The industry-based Association of Biotech-led Enterprises-Agriculture Group (ABLE-AG) has said implementation of your panel’s recommendations will hit farm growth.

I do not agree. We were producing 52 million tonnes in 1950-51 and are today producing 257 million tonnes without using GM technology. If we have increased to such an extent, where is the need for GM technology? From a food importing country we are now exporting, though it is also a fact that a large number of population is not fed, whereas godowns are full.

We are not against new technology in the farm sector but it should be in the interest of farmers without undermining the rights of consumers. As of now it is more inclined towards industry without the accompanying safeguards, regulation and monitoring on pricing, monopoly, seed sovereignty and biodiversity.

How was unanimity achieved on this sensitive subject among the 31 committee members representing different political parties and ideologies?

We wanted to make an objective report. We invited those in favour of GM crops including Monsanto and those who were not. We visited five States including Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. We examined 18,000 documents 1,000 memoranda and 56 witnesses. The panel members met 100 farmers’ widows and heard from lakhs of farmers their plight in each State. The arguments of those against were stronger. That is why the entire committee is unanimous. There was not a single amendment or dissent.

DINAMALAR NEWS

Haryana, A ‘No-Gutka’ Zone

Haryana government's ban on manufacture, storage, sale and distribution of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine from August 15 is being considered as a good move by many.
While pan vendors, who used to earn their livelihood are running into losses and people, who became habitual of chewing pan masala are either quitting or opting for beetle nuts and other mouth fresheners to get their daily dose.

Struggle to survive
Since the violation of the orders is punishable, the pan vendors are afraid of selling gutka or cigarettes. Ram Vilas, a pan vendor in Civil Line, the only earning person in a big family of seven members said, "I used to earn Rs.500 to Rs.700 daily by selling gutka and cigarettes. Since the order came into force, I am suffering massive losses. In lieu of gutka, I am selling tea and rusks to run my family."
A large number of pan vendors had come up in Old Gurgaon, Sadar Bazar, Civil Line, Railway Road, Sukhrali, etc.
"I am not selling any gutka since the order was passed. There are still some vendors who are selling gutkas on higher rates from Rs 5 to Rs 10," said Shyam Babu, owner of Shyam Pan Bhandar, Sector 15.
The teams of district officials in the recent past raided some pan shops and seized thousands of gutka pouches but didn't take any legal action so far.

 Wave of joy
What the family members of gutka-chewers could not do in past two decades, a recent move of the government has done. "We should thank the government. I can heave a sigh of relief that my husband will not be chewing gutka all the time. Sometimes, it is very irritating as it deteriorates health and is wastage of money. I kept asking him to leave this bad habit but he never did it. I hope at least, he will save Rs.30 to Rs.50 every day," chuckles Pushpa Soni, a resident of Sushant Lok I.

 Haryana implements
Dr Rakesh Gupta, commissioner of food safety (Haryana), said "In most parts of Haryana, tobacco and nicotine have been widely used as ingredients in gutka and pan masala. To curb the consumption of gutka and pan masala in the interest of public health, the ban has been imposed for a period of one year."
It had become a trend among youth especially girls lighting cigarettes and chewing mouth fresheners of different brands. When asked different school students, college and office-goers, businessmen, etc, said, "We used to spend Rs 100 to Rs 150 on cigarettes and mouth fresheners. On an average, we took 10 to 12 cigarettes and 15 to 20 guktas daily."

 Punishment
The violation of the ban is punishable under law with an imprisonment up to six months or fine up to Rs one lakh, which would be increased up to Rs three lakh and imprisonment of one year if the contravention is resulted into non-grievous injury.
Meanwhile, for severe injury, the punishment would be up to six years of jail and fine up to Rs five lakh and if any death occurs, the imprisonment can be extended up to seven years and fine up to Rs 10 lakh.
 Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) also prohibits
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India under Section 2, 3 and 4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011 prohibits manufacturing and sale of food in which tobacco and nicotine are used as ingredients as they are injurious to health.

 Experts' views
Dr Anubha Singh, gynaecologist and infertility specialist said, "Not only cancer but consuming tobacco in any form can lead to infertility, osteoporosis, bone fractures and skin diseases."

Survey says
• Global Adult Tobacco Survey: In Delhi NCR 10.5 per cent youngsters, 16.7 per cent men and 2.8 per cent women consume tobacco in form of gutka, khaini and cigarettes.
• At present, nearly 0.9 million tobacco-related deaths occur in India annually as compared to 5.5 million worldwide which is expected to increase to about 10 million during 2020.
• India is the second-largest producer and consumer of tobacco in the world after US and China.

"I can heave a sigh of relief that my husband will not be chewing gutka all the time. Sometimes, it is very irritating as it deteriorates health and is wastage of money. I kept asking him to leave this bad habit but he never did it. I hope at least, he will save `30 to `50 every day
Pushpa Soni, resident, Sushant Lok I"

Gutka ban takes toll on pan vendors

GURGAON: Five days after ban on gutka and khaini came into force in the state, the impact is clearly visible. Prohibition on sale, storage and distribution of tobacco seems to be in full force, with pan shops and tobacco dealers completely stopping sale of gutka. They have either stopped getting gutka supplies or have stopped purchasing it themselves.
Pan shop owners are suffering losses and have started selling betel nuts and various packaged mouth freshners.
Gutka users, on the other hand, complain it has become difficult to get their daily dose. "I'm not an addict. Gutka only freshens me up. I now have to drive to Kapasheha border to get a pouch," said Varun Singh.
Even small tea vendors and pan shops were raided by officials and thousands of gutka pouches were seized. Name and contact number of the those selling gutka were registered by the officials, however, no one was fined.
While small pan shop owners suffered a loss of Rs. 500 a day, big ones such as Prince Pan and Harish Pan had to lose Rs.700-1000 per day. However, small shops were the ones badly hit by the ban. "I have suffered massive losses since the ban," said Manoj Verma, a pan stall owner on Railway Road.
The ban is yet have its effect in outskirts of the city such as Farukhnagar, Dundaherha, Sohna among other places.

New standard packaging norms for FMCG cos from Nov: Govt

Amid growing cases of unfair trade practices, the government today said it has made it mandatory for FMCG companies to pack and sell specific products like biscuits and milk powder in standard sizes only with effect from November 1.
Following complaints regarding unfair reduction in the quantity of packaged products from some consumer organisation, the government has amended the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules 2011.
"It has been observed that some manufacturers in the country are reducing quantity of packaged products by small fractions without making a change in the price of the product. The government after due examination of the issue amended the Legal Metrology Rules, 2011," Food and Consumer Affairs Minister K V Thomas said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
As per the amendment, all manufacturers of 19 commodities mentioned in second schedule of the said Rule will have to mandatorily pack items in standard sizes only, he said, adding that any unfair reduction of quantity will not be permitted.
This order will be implemented from November 1, 2012, he said.
Baby food, weaning food, biscuits, bread, butter, coffee, tea, cereals, pulses, milk powder, salt, edible oils, rice and wheat flour, aerated soft drink, drinking water, cement and paints are among other products that manufacturers are required to pack and sell in standard sizes, he added.

FDA seizes gutka worth Rs3 crore in Thane

Increased vigil by authorities of the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) paid off on Thursday midnight, when its Thane unit with help from the Talasari police seized six trucks carrying branded gutka sachets, apart from arresting the six drivers and a manager accompanying the consignment.
Being transported from a Silvassa-based manufacturing firm to an export house at Powai, the consignment worth nearly Rs3 crore was packed in 3,000 cartons which were stashed into several gunny bags, in all weighing around 16,200kg.
Inspector Dutta Chavan of Talasari police said, “It was after the tip-off by Thane FDA authorities that we stopped the six trucks near the Dhondalwadi police chowky in Talasari, on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad national highway No.8 on Thursday midnight (2am).” Manufactured by Kirti Industries at Silvassa, the gutkha consignment of ‘Goa’ brand was meant for sale in Panvel and Powai areas, he added.
After authorities recovered fake documents in the name of the export house, namely Zubair Ali SJJ Export Company, JMJ House at Powai, FDA official Prashant Deshmukh raided the location and found that the firm had no exports licence at all. “Meanwhile, the Thane FDA probing the case has already sent the gutkha pouches for a chemical analysis at their laboratory in Thane and awaiting report,” said Chavan.
While refusing to divulge the names of the six truck drivers and the company manager detained by the FDA, Deshmukh said, “There is only one gutka manufacturer in Maharashtra, as opposed to over a dozen of them outside the state, including Gujarat and the neighbouring Union territories of Silvassa and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.”
A case under the stringent Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, will be slapped against the accused, he added.

Is gutkha banned?

Last month, Maharashtra govt banned the manufacture, distribution, storage and sale of gutkha and pan masala... on paper

On July 19, the Maharashtra government banned the manufacture, distribution, storage and sale of gutkha and pan masala for a year, under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA) 2006.

However, Mumbai Mirror found this ban - like similar ones in the past - to be largely ineffective in actually stopping the supply and sale of gutkha at pan-beedi shops.

All it seems to have done is drive the supply, distribution and sale of the banned products underground.

While it is has become a little more difficult for addicts to get their fix, it is by no means impossible to do so, a Mirror investigation revealed.

A Test drive conducted revealed that while it may be difficult to get your gutkha fix at every shop -- it doesn't take much to figure out at which discreet pan beedi shop it is available.

Just slip into the bylanes having practiced your haggling skills, and you would find some - even if at a premium. When contacted, FDA Commissioner Mahesh Zagade said, "We will take strict action against those found selling gutkha.”

Bazar Gate Street, Bora Bazar, CST
Experience: Technically, we didn't get gutkha here. What we got was a sympathetic businessman, who promised to get it at a price. "We don't keep it anymore. But if you want it, then we can get it for you. You have to make the payment in advance for a whole carton. It will cost Rs 750. We can give no assurance for quality," he said, and went about his business.

Pan Beedi shop behind ITC, Parel
Experience: There was nothing discreet about this shopkeeper. The moment we asked for pan masala, he said, "Yes I have. But one pouch is Rs 12. Nothing less." When we tried to reason, we were given a lecture that loosely translated to "take it or buy a carton". We bought five pouches for Rs 60.

Bharat Nagar, Bandra
Experience: A request for Rajnigandha and Pan Parag at this pan shop was immediately turned down with a "we don't sell them any more". But as I began to walk away, the shopkeeper added: "But I keep Manikchand." We bought two packets for Rs 20 -- Rs 8 more than before the ban.

Near Vakola Bridge, Santa Cruz
Experience: All sorts of brands were available at this small, almost-hidden shop located on one of the pavements near the Vakola bridge - at a Rs 2 premium. When we protested the price hike, the seller said: "Madam, no one will sell for the original amount any more. Even we have to pay more."

Near Kalina University, Santa Cruz (E)
Experience: All queries and requests for gutkha were met with a stern 'No'. When we didn't give up, the shopkeeper directed us towards narrow bylanes saying, "You will not find it on the main shops, go inside the lanes, may be you will find it there."

 Case against Tobacco

» As per a nation-wide study by the Global Adult Tobacco Survey in 2009-10, over 10 lakh Indians die every year due to diseases caused by consumption of tobacco.

» Of the 1,173 gutkha and paan masala samples tested by the FDA between 2003 and 2011, 98 per cent flouted the norms.

» All the 84 samples contained prohibited anti-caking agents like magnesium carbonate, which can cause cardiac arrests, carcinogenic and co-carcinogenic effects, oral and sub-mucous fibrosis and oral cancer

 குட்கா தடை?

கடந்த மாதம், மகாராஷ்டிரா அரசு குட்கா மற்றும் பான் மசாலா உற்பத்தி, விநியோகம், சேமிப்பு மற்றும் விற்பனை தடை ... காகிதத்தில்

ஜூலை 19, மகாராஷ்டிரா அரசு உணவு பாதுகாப்பு சட்டத்தின் கீழ், ஒரு ஆண்டு குட்கா மற்றும் பான் மசாலா உற்பத்தி, விநியோகம், சேமிப்பு மற்றும் விற்பனை தடை மற்றும் நியமங்கள் சட்டம் (FSSA) 2006.
இருப்பினும், மும்பை மிரர் இந்த தடை இல்லை - கடந்த காலத்தில் அதே போன்ற ஒன்றை போல - உண்மையில் பான்-பீடி கடைகளில் வழங்கல் மற்றும் குட்கா விற்பனை நிறுத்த பயனற்றதானது வேண்டும்.
அதை செய்யவில்லை தெரிகிறது அனைத்து நிலத்தடி தடை பொருட்கள் விநியோகம், விநியோகம் மற்றும் விற்பனை இயக்க உள்ளது.
இது போதை தங்கள் தீர்வை பெற ஒரு சிறிய மிகவும் கடினமாக உள்ளது போது எந்த அவ்வாறு செய்ய இயலாது என்று பொருள் மூலம், அது, ஒரு மிரர் விசாரணை தெரியவந்தது.
இது பகுத்தறிவுள்ள பான் பீடி கடைக்கு இது தான் கிடைக்கும் கண்டுபிடிக்க மிகவும் தேவையில்லை - ஒரு டெஸ்ட் டிரைவ் அதை ஒவ்வொரு கடையிலும் உங்கள் குட்கா தீர்வை பெற கடினமாக இருக்கலாம் போது தெரியவந்தது நடத்தப்படும்.
உங்கள் haggling திறன் பயிற்சி பெற்று bylanes என நழுவ, மற்றும் சில கண்டறிய வேண்டும் - ஒரு பிரீமியம் கூட. தொடர்பு போது, FDA, ஆணையர் மகேஷ் Zagade "நாங்கள் குட்கா விற்பனை காணப்படும் எதிராக கடுமையான நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க வேண்டும்" என்றார்.
பஜார் கேட் தெரு, போரா பஜார், CST
அனுபவம்: தொழில்நுட்ப ரீதியாக, நாம் இங்கே குட்கா வரவில்லை. நாம் என்ன தான் ஒரு விலைக்கு கிடைக்கும் வாக்கு ஒரு அனுதாபம் தொழிலதிபர், இருந்தது. "நாங்கள் இனி அதை வைக்க கூடாது. ஆனால் நீங்கள் அதை விரும்பினால், நாம் அதை பெற முடியும். நீங்கள் ஒரு முழு அட்டைப்பெட்டி முன் செலுத்தல் வேண்டும். இது ரூ 750 செலவாகும். நாம் தரம் இல்லை உத்தரவாதம் கொடுக்க முடியும், "என்று அவர் கூறினார், அவரது வணிக பற்றி சென்றார்.
ஐடிசி, பரேல் பின்னால் பான் பீடி கடை
அனுபவம்: இல்லை, இந்த கடைக்காரர் பற்றி புத்தியுள்ள ஒன்றும் இருந்தது. நாம் பான் மசாலா கேட்டு நேரத்தில், அவர் "ஆமாம் நான். ஆனால் ஒரு பை ரூ 12 ஆகும். ஒன்றும் குறைவாக" என்றார். நாம் காரணம் முயன்ற போது, நாம் தளர்வாக "அதை எடுத்து அல்லது ஒரு அட்டைப்பெட்டி வாங்க" என்று மொழிபெயர்க்கப்பட்டது என்று அறிவுரை வழங்கப்பட்டது. நாம் ரூ 60 ஐந்து பைகள் வாங்கினார்.
பாரத் நகர், பாந்த்ரா
அனுபவம்: இந்த பான் கடையில் Rajnigandha மற்றும் பான் பராக் ஒரு கோரிக்கையை உடனடியாக ஒரு "நாம் இன்னும் இன்னும் விற்கமாட்டோம்" உடன் நிராகரித்தது. நான் விலகி நடக்க தொடங்கினார் ஆனால், கடைக்காரர் கூறினார்: "ஆனால் நான் Manikchand வைத்து." ரூ தடை முன்பு விட 8 மேலும் - நாம் ரூ 20 இரண்டு பொட்டலங்கள் வாங்கி.
Vakola பிரிட்ஜ், சாண்டா குரூஸ் அருகில்
அனுபவம்: பிராண்ட்கள் அனைத்து வகையான Vakola பாலம் அருகில் பேவ்மண்ட்ஸ் ஒன்றை அமைந்துள்ள இந்த சிறிய, கிட்டத்தட்ட மறைக்கப்பட்ட கடையில் கிடைக்கும் என்று - ரூ 2 கட்டணத்தில். நாங்கள் விலை உயர்வு எதிர்ப்பு போது, விற்பனையாளர் கூறினார்: "மேடம், எந்த ஒரு உண்மையான அளவு இன்னும் விலைக்கு விற்கும் கூட நாம் இன்னும் செலுத்த வேண்டும்.."
Kalina பல்கலைக்கழகம், சாண்டா குரூஸ் (மின்) அருகில்
அனுபவம்: அனைத்து கேள்விகளுக்கும் மற்றும் குட்கா ஐந்து கோரிக்கைகளை ஒரு கடுமையான 'இல்லை' செய்யப்பட்டது. நாங்கள் விடவில்லை போது, கடைக்காரர் குறுகிய bylanes, சொல்லி நோக்கி நம்மை இயக்கிய "நீங்கள் அங்கு இருக்கலாம், பாதைகள் உள்ளே சென்று, முக்கிய கடைகள் மீது கண்டுபிடிக்க முடியாது."
புகையிலை எதிராக வழக்கு
»2009-10 ஆம் ஆண்டில் உலகளாவிய வயதுவந்தோர் புகையிலை சர்வே மூலம் தேசிய அளவிலான ஆய்வு படி, 10 லட்சம் இந்தியர்களுக்கு புகையிலை நுகர்விற்கு ஏற்படும் நோய்கள் காரணமாக ஒவ்வொரு ஆண்டும் இறக்க.
»2003 மற்றும் 2011 இடையே FDA பரிசோதனை 1.173 குட்கா மற்றும் பான் மசாலா மாதிரிகளின், 98 சதவீதம் விதிகள் flouted.
»அனைத்து 84 மாதிரிகள் இதய கைது, காசினோசனிக்கு மற்றும் இணை காசினோசனிக்கு விளைவுகள், வாய் மற்றும் துணை சளி ஃபைப்ரோஸிஸ் மற்றும் வாய் புற்றுநோய் ஏற்படுத்தும் மெக்னீசியம் கார்பனேட் போன்ற தடை எதிர்ப்பு caking முகவர், அடங்கியுள்ள

Food safety officers appointed

Chandigarh, August 23
The Haryana Food and Drug Administration Department has appointed food safety officers (FSOs) in the state under the Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006. Rakesh Gupta, Commissioner, Food Safety, Haryana, said here today that the Deputy Civil Surgeon (Health) would act as FSO for local areas within the district.

Senior medical officers(SMOs) in charge of subdivisional hospitals would be FSO for local areas within the subdivision. Similarly, SMOs in charge of Community Health Centres (CHCs) and medical officers in charge of primary health centres (PHCs) would serve as FSOs for local areas within the jurisdiction of CHCs and PHCs, respectively. — TNS

Govt. mulls high-level Committee on tobacco control: Sham Discusses steps for dealing with menace of tobacco

In order to further flip the efforts to control the consumption of tobacco and its allied products in Jammu and Kashmir the Government is contemplating to constitute a high-level monitoring Committee under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister. The Committee will monitor the steps already initiated to curb the menace of tobacco and other allied products.
This was revealed by the Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma at a meeting of representatives of Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI) held here today under his chairmanship.
Expressing concern over the increasing cases of cancer every year due to use of tobacco in different forms, the Minister stressed the need for strong measures to minimise the use of cigarettes, gutkas and other such products while seeking society's help in dealing with this social issue he said that only Government efforts are not enough but entire society has to contribute to get rid of this menace to save the younger generation. He also appealed the social/religious organizations to use their influence and aware the society about the ill effects of the tobacco and other drug abuses which are eating the vitals of the society.
Appreciating the efforts of the VHAI and other credible NGOs in the field of social services, the Minister said that all like minded organizations should come forward and help Government in fighting these social evils. He supported the pledge of VHAI for making the Jammu and Kashmir smoke/gutka free state and said that Government will take more steps to make the deterrent laws to deal with the situation. Yet it requires coordinated approach and vigorous awareness campaign to educate the common man so that they voluntarily shun this practice, the Minister asserted.
Responding to the issue of banning the gutkas in Jammu and Kashmir like other States, the Minister said that he has already passed on the specific instructions to the concerned and the matter is under active consideration of the Government. He said the Government will bring a legislation to ban the Gutkas in the State in near future because the issue is related with the health of people, he added.
The VHAI members suggested certain measures to make the Jammu and Kashmir tobacco free and smoke-free State. They also called for implementation of Food Safety & Standards Act-2006 which provides complete ban of Gutkas and all food products containing tobacco. They also suggested for earmarking adequate funds for tobacco control, imposing heavy taxes on all tobacco products, restriction on tobacco advertisements and mass awareness through media campaign.
Among others Executive Director, VHAI, New Delhi Ms. Bhavna Mukhopadhaya, Executive Director, VHAI, J&K branch, Mr. A.M. Mir were also present in the meeting.

FSSAI seeks immediate compliance to guidelines on imported food samples

The Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued guidelines regarding the harmonisation of laboratory parameters for analysis of imported food samples. These have been finalised in consultation with the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore.

Following this development, FSSAI, in a communiqué via F. No. 06/QAS/2012 import issues/FSSAI to all referral and authorised labs, has stated that the order should come into effect immediately. 

Imported food will now need clearance based on these guidelines, according to Dr Dhir Singh, director, QA&S, FSSAI, in the communiqué.

As per the FSSAI list, there are 37 categories of imported food with methods for standardisation. The details on the limits of contents and methods of analysis followed have been provided. The list of products covers processed baby food milk powder including cheese. Fat oils and fats covering crude palm oils, crude sunflower oil, rapeseed or mustard oil, crude degummed soyabean oil, RBD palmoline, and olive oil.

Further, all fresh fruits, raw sugar, poppy seeds, raisins, salt and spices inclusive of dry fruits’ nuts / betel nuts / curry powder / masala powder, saffron, split cassia, cloves mace, garlic powder, cereals and pulses, red and green lentils, fish and fish products, as also meat covering frozen, canned, and chopped products are covered.

There is also a category for additives like ammonium bicarbonate, monosodium glutamate, phosphoric acid, and enzymes. In the thermally processed fruits and vegetable products there are tomato paste, juices, squashes, besides, a sweets and confectionary category, which includes chewing gum.  

Bakery products, fruit and vegetable products like dates, proprietary foods, flavouring substances, macaroni products, sweetening agents, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, dehydrated fruit and vegetable products, processed vegetables like olives in brine, flavouring agents, cereals and cereal-based products, culinary pastes and other sauces, carbonated and sweetened beverages and seasoning powders also form a key part of the list.

The FSS regulations dealing with microbiological parameters of milk and milk products mention the microbiological limits at production stage by the industry. But as per the regulations, no defined limits have been given for microbiological analysis of milk and milk products, and the parameters and limits for cheese samples have been those followed under the PFA Act.

The methods of analysis are based on directorate-general of health services, ministry of health & family welfare, and Association of Official Analytical Chemists. The guidelines are also in consultation with the norms of Bureau of Indian Standards and Alpha methods are based on American Public Health Association.

According to a section of the food industry represented by MTR Foods, ITC Foods, and Kohinoor Foods, the guidelines for imported products will put a check on the quality.

With the profusion of food retailers vending a variety of imported foods, the norms will now keep tabs on the contents, according to officials from the Karnataka Food Safety Commissioner’s office.

State to study tobacco ban in other States

Even as nine States have taken the initiative to ban tobacco products like gutka and pan masala, Andhra Pradesh will take a month to formulate an effective strategy to implement the ban. A three-member team is proposed to be sent to the neighbouring States to study the ban orders and steps taken to enforce it.

Praveen Prakash, Commissioner, Public Health, almost let down family members of the tobacco victims who favoured an immediate ban. “Without a proper implementation plan the ban will only boomerang,” he remarked even as he agreed that there was no second opinion about the health hazards of tobacco.

At a press conference here on Wednesday, he said both health education and enforcement was necessary to check the tobacco menace. The team would study the legal issues involved and come up with an effective plan, Mr. Prakash assured.

Leading doctors from various cancer hospitals highlighted the severe threat posed by tobacco and urged the government to ban it with immediate effect.

“That it causes only cancer is a myth. It causes a variety of ailments including heart disease,” said P. Vijay Anand Reddy, director, Apollo Cancer Hospitals. Director of MNJ Institute of Oncology, Kannan, director of oncology, Kamineni Hospitals, Ashwin M. Shah, and regional director, Voluntary Health Association of India, Seema Gupta, reeled out the statistics to show the threat posed by tobacco.

Out of total 29.2 per cent adult tobacco users in A.P, 11.8 per cent used smokeless form (gutka and pan masala) of tobacco and 3.3 per cent both smoking and smokeless forms. Tobacco users among women accounted for 18.8 percent. Nearly 10 lakh persons died every year of cancer caused by tobacco, they said.

Banning gutka and pan masala was now easy as they came under the food category and as per Food Safety and Standards Authority of India no food product could contain tobacco and nicotine.

The loss of productive man power due to tobacco menace was much more than the loss in revenue due to its ban, pointed out Ms. Gupta.

A housewife, Kavita, gave an account of the trauma she underwent when her husband developed cancer of mouth while a young girl, Shobana, turned misty eyed recalling the pain and anguish when her father was down with cancer. They presented a representation to Mr. Prakash to implement the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (COPTA) Act, 2003, in the State.

DINAMALAR ARTICLE

Registration before February 4 must for sellers of food items-The Hindu

Food Business Operators have to register before February 4

Vegetable vendors, hawkers and pushcart traders engaged in the sale of food items categorised as Food Business Operators (FBO) in the Food Safety and Standards Act beware.
The government has made registration of their businesses mandatory. FBOs must comply with guidelines and register themselves before February 4 failing which the enforcement agencies will start cracking down on their businesses. Registration of their businesses will not be a cumbersome process and it will be an across the counter affair for FBOs.
All that the FBOs need to do is to come prepared with two passport size photographs along with an identification proof and the registration will be completed in 15 minutes on payment of Rs. 100 along with service charges at the Mee Seva counter.
MoU signed
In yet another firsts to the State’s credit, the Central government has designated the citizen service network, Mee Seva as a nodal registering authority in the State and the registration services could be availed from the over 5,000 centres. State Food Safety Commissioner Praveen Prakash and Mee Seva director Gopinatha signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday and a few FBOs were issued registration certificates to mark the occasion. The food safety authority would launch a special drive in association with the Institute of Preventive Medicine to create awareness among the FBOs on the need to register their businesses. The registration is applicable to FBOs with less than Rs. 12 lakh turnover a year.
IPM director P. Sucharita Murthy said the institute would provide technical staff and coordinate with the enforcement authorities in spreading awareness about the need to adhere to safety standards in sale of food items. The new initiative would cover a few lakhs of hawkers/vendors across the State.

Understanding E. coli: symptoms, spread, prevention

 

Czech scientists in Brno test vegetables for E. coli bacteria following the deadly outbreak in Germany that killed dozens of people and sickened more than 3,100 in May and June 2011. (Reuters)

You can't see it, smell it or taste it. But food or water tainted with certain strains of E. coli bacteria can leave you fighting for your life, especially if your immune system is compromised or you're very young or very old.
Seven people died and more than 2,300 others fell ill in Walkerton, Ont., in May 2000, in Canada's worst-ever E. coli outbreak after the bacteria got into the town's water supply. The source of the contamination was manure spread on a farmer's field near one of the town's wells.
More recently, in summer 2011, a different and mysterious strain of E. coli led to the deaths of dozens of people in northern Germany and one in Sweden. It has sickened more than 4,000 people, most of them in Germany.
This strain of E. coli has been particularly virulent in that it has also led to hundreds of cases of hemolytic-uremic syndrome, or HUS, a serious complication that can bring on kidney failure and death.
The source of the E. coli at first eluded health officials, who advised consumers not to eat cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce or vegetable sprouts — all of which were investigated as possible carriers of the bacteria.
But after more than a month of searching, the problem was traced to sprouts from an organic farm in the northern German village of Bienenbuettel. The farm grows a wide variety of sprouts, including alfalfa, onion and radish, and officials weren't immediately sure which kind caused the outbreak. Sprouts are often eaten raw in salads and sandwiches.
Then in July, the European Food Safety Authority said one lot of contaminated fenugreek seeds from Egypt was probably the source. Fenugreek leaves are commonly used as an herb and in curry. The seeds are often sold dried, and if they are contaminated with E. coli, the bacteria can survive for years.
Scientists are scrambling to understand the deadlier pathogen, E. coli O104:H4, one of a family of bacteria that's evolved since the 1960s, when scientists believe E. coli and another bacteria, shigella, met and swapped genes. This created a form of E. coli that secretes a dangerous toxin.
A well-known Canadian version is E. coli O157:H7, which contaminated the water system in Walkerton.
E. coli O104 is a shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC, that is especially vicious because it doesn't take many bacteria to cause infection.
The bug gets into the stomach and then attaches to the intestinal wall and secretes a toxin that destroys red blood cells and shuts down the kidneys.
Once securely inside the gut of one person, the bacteria can then start spreading person to person through the fecal-oral route. That happens when traces of feces on the hands get passed on, which is why hand-washing is so important.
The E. coli outbreak in Europe has mostly affected healthy adults, not children or the elderly.
There also seems to be a higher rate of people progressing to HUS from the initial condition of bloody diarrhea, said Brett Finlay, a professor at the University of British Columbia who studies pathogenic strains of E. coli.

A common illness

While the Walkerton outbreak was unusual, health authorities in Canada normally deal with a few thousand cases of E. coli illness a year. In the U.S., it's estimated that about 73,000 people a year are sickened by the bacteria and 61 die.
In 2006, tainted spinach led to the deaths of three people and sickened 204 people, including a Canadian woman. In a separate outbreak, Ontario health authorities in October 2008 investigated an E. coli outbreak linked to a Harvey's restaurant in North Bay.
In July 2009, President's Choice-brand steaks, roasts and ground beef products were pulled from store shelves because of possible contamination with E. coli. Undercooked ground beef is one of the most common sources.
While the vast majority of people fully recover from a bout of E. coli within a week to 10 days, some people will spend the rest of their lives dealing with the after-effects of the illness.

What is E. coli and where does it come from?

Escherichia coli, its full name, is a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of animals and humans. There are hundreds of strains of the bacterium, but E. coli O157:H7 has been identified as dangerous to people, producing a powerful toxin that can cause severe illness.
It was first recognized in the U.S. in 1982, when an outbreak of severe, bloody diarrhea was traced to contaminated hamburgers, leading the illness to be dubbed "hamburger disease."
E. coli O157:H7 can contaminate ground beef during the butchering process. If it is present in the intestines of the slaughtered animal, it can get into the meat as it is ground into hamburger.

How does E. coli spread?

While E. coli is most often found in meat, it is not limited to it. The bacteria are also found in unpasteurized milk and apple cider, ham, turkey, chicken, roast beef, sandwich meats, raw vegetables, cheese and contaminated water.
Bean and alfalfa sprouts have also been recalled because of E. coli contamination.
Fruits and vegetables that grow close to the ground are susceptible to E. coli contamination if, for example, improperly composted cattle manure is used as a fertilizer.
E. coli, salmonella and cryptosporidium can also be found in unpasteurized juice. Children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems are encouraged to drink pasteurized juice or boil unpasteurized juice before consuming it.
Once someone has eaten contaminated food, the infection can be passed from one person to another person by hand-to-mouth contact. The bacteria are most often spread person to person.

What are the symptoms of E. coli O157:H7?

Symptoms — characterized by severe abdominal cramping — can appear within hours but could also take up to 10 days to show up. Some people may be afflicted with bloody diarrhea or non-bloody diarrhea. Frequently, no fever is present.
Some people may show no symptoms at all but can still carry the bacteria and pass it on to people who will become sick.

What are the health effects of E. coli O157:H7?

People who suffer severe E. coli O157:H7 poisoning face a 30 per cent higher risk of high blood pressure or kidney damage, according to a Canadian study released in October 2008.
The seven-year study, which included 2,800 citizens of Walkerton, noted medication has stemmed further kidney damage and long-term complications in children. Researchers also found that 88 per cent of participants rated their health at the end of the study as good to excellent.

How is it treated?

In most cases, symptoms clear up on their own within five to 10 days. The use of antibiotics is not recommended because the bacteria creates a toxin in its cell and if you kill the cell with antibiotics the toxin gets released into the bloodstream.
In a small number of cases, E. coli contamination can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a life-threatening condition that is treated in hospital intensive care units. It kills three to five per cent of people who come down with it. Some people who recover still have to contend with lifelong complications that can include blindness, paralysis and kidney failure.

How does E. coli get in the water?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the presence of E. coli in water is a strong indication of recent sewage or animal waste contamination.

E. coli O157:H7 can contaminate ground beef during the butchering process. (iStock) E. coli comes from human and animal wastes. During precipitation, E. coli may be washed into creeks, rivers, streams, lakes, or groundwater. When these are used as sources of drinking water — and the water is not treated or inadequately treated — E. coli may end up in drinking water.
Proper food handling techniques can go a long way toward preventing exposure to E. coli. All ground meats should be cooked thoroughly so the centre is no longer pink. You should also:

• Refrigerate or freeze meat as soon as possible after buying it and then thaw frozen meat in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
• Place cooked meat on clean plates. Don't re-use dishes that have been in contact with raw meat.
• Use a digital food thermometer when cooking ground beef, which should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 71 C (160 F).
• Serve cooked meat immediately or keep it hot (60 C or 140 F).
• Clean and sanitize countertops and utensils after contact with raw meat.
• Not store raw and cooked food together.
• When marinating meat, not use the liquid as a dip or to pour over cooked meat.
• Drink only pasteurized milk or cider.
• Drink water from a supply known to be safe. If you have a private well, it should be tested several times a year.

Since most cases of E. coli contamination are passed from person to person, good personal hygiene is critical to protecting yourself:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
• Don't handle food if you have diarrhea.
• Wash raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly before cooking or cutting them.
• Sanitize food preparation surfaces and utensils.

Anyone known to be infected with E. coli, should not share dishes, cutlery or glasses with anyone. Their towels, face cloths and bedding should be washed separately in hot water and bleach.

Protecting yourself from food poisoning

As many as 13 million Canadians will experience the discomfort of food-borne illness every year. For most, it'll mean a few days of nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. But it can also be deadly, especially if you're in a high-risk group.
Listeria is more likely to kill than any other bacteria that cause food poisoning. For high-risk groups — pregnant women and their unborn or newborn children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems — listeria can be fatal in 20-30 per cent of cases.
In most cases of food poisoning, the problem can be traced back to the kitchen and consumers can take some simple steps to avoid getting sick. Hand washing, refrigeration, proper cooking and disposal of expired or questionable foods can go a long way to preventing food-related illness.

Common types of food poisoning

Listeria

 

Michael McCain, president of Maple Leaf Foods, holds media briefing on new food safety protocols at its new meat packaging plant in Laval, Que., Dec. 12, 2008. A listeriosis outbreak linked to 20 deaths was traced back to tainted meat at a Maple Leaf Foods plant in Toronto earlier that year. (Ryan Remiorz/Canadian Press)

Source: The bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, commonly referred to as listeria, is found in soil, vegetation, sewage, water and the feces of animals and humans. Listeria bacteria can also be found in unpasteurized dairy products, raw vegetables and meats and processed foods including deli meats and hot dogs.
Eating foods spoiled with Listeria monocytogenes can result in serious illness, including brain and blood infections and in extreme cases death.
Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, constipation, severe headache, persistent fever and stiff neck, among others.
Symptoms can appear up to 70 days after exposure to the bacteria. Listeria is killed during the cooking process, so it is crucial to properly cook your food.
Campylobacteriosis
Source: Bacteria is transmitted through untreated surface water, poultry, beef, swine, rodents, wild birds and household pets.
Symptoms (may include): Fever, headache and muscle pain, followed by diarrhea, stomach pain, cramps, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms appear within 2 to 5 days after exposure.
Botulism
Source: The bacteria that cause botulism grow from home-canned, low-acid foods such as corn, green beans and mushrooms. Botulism is also linked to raw or parboiled meats from marine mammals.
Symptoms (may include): Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, headache, double vision, dryness in the throat and nose, paralysis.Symptoms occur from 12-36 hours after infection. With treatment the fatality rate in Canada is about 10 per cent.
Cyclosporiasis
Source: Cyclospora is a parasite that is transmitted through food or water which is contaminated by human feces.
Symptoms (may include): Diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, gas, stomach cramps, muscle aches, vomiting, fever, bloating and fatigue Onset of symptoms happens approximately one week after infection.
Salmonellosis
Source: Salmonella bacteria develop from raw or undercooked meat (especially poultry), unpasteurized milk and milk products, eggs, sprouts, raw fruit and vegetables (if they have been contaminated by an infected surface or dirty hands).
Symptoms (may include): Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, fever. Symptoms appear six to 72 hours after exposure.
Toxoplasmosis
Source: Cross-contaminated or undercooked meat. Contamination is also possible through gardening or changing cat litter (cat feces are a common source of Toxoplasma gondii, the bacteria that causes toxoplasmosis.)
Symptoms (may include): Fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and other flu-like symptoms. Symptoms may not appear for 5-18 days after exposure.
Escherichia coli
Source: Cross-contamination occurs from food to food, person to person, or person to food. E. coli bacteria often originate in the intestines of cattle, poultry and other animals.
Symptoms (may include): Some people don't get sick at all. Others have flu-like symptoms that can include stomach cramps, vomiting and a mild fever and diarrhea. Onset of symptoms can occur within 2 to 10 days of eating contaminated food. About 10% of people infected with E. coli develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, which is a blood disorder marked by kidney failure.
Bacillus cereus
Source: This bacterium normally infects people through improperly cooked food. It is responsible for two to five per cent of food-borne illnesses. Some strains of B. cereus are beneficial to animals like chickens, rabbits and pigs, as they compete with Salmonella and CampylobacterI in the gut, reducing the number of those harmful bacteria — and making them safer for people to eat.
Symptoms (may include): Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The strain that leads to diarrhea is caused by eating improperly cooked meant. It usually hits eight to 16 hours after consumption of contaminated food. The strain that leads to vomiting is usually caused by eating rice that has not been cooked long enough or at a temperature high enough to kill spores. You usually feel sick between one and five hours after eating contaminated rice.

Prevention

The most effective way to prevent food poisoning is to ensure food quality and prevent cross-contamination.

• Purchase only undamaged packaged products and pay attention to expiry dates.
• Only buy meat and fish products from reputable retail outlets.
• Drink only pasteurized milk, juice and cider.

Follow the basic food safety steps:
Clean: Always wash hands with soap and hot water for 20 seconds before and after handling food. Also be sure to sanitize cooking equipment, utensils and surfaces before and after use. Only use clean water in gardens and to wash and prepare food. And only harvest and eat food from water that is clean.
Separate: Keep raw items such as beef or vegetables away from others while shopping, storing, and preparing food.
Chill: Refrigerate below 4 C (40 F) and freeze below -18 C (0 F).
Cook: Food must be cooked to the proper temperature and kept warm at temperatures above 60 C (140 F).
Chicken should be cooked to 82-85 C (180-185 F) and turkey to 77 C (170 F)
Beef steaks and roasts should be cooked as follows:

• Medium rare 63 C (145 F).
• Medium 71 C (160 F).
• Well 75 C (170 F).

Pork should be cooked to 71 C (160 F)

Delay in Banning Import of Chinese Milk Products

The recommendation of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India as contained in their Advisory No:9/FSSAI/2012 was communicated on 24/06/2012. Accordingly, the ban on import of milk and milk products (including chocolate and chocolate products and candies/confectionery/food preparations with milk or milk solids as an ingredient) from China was extended upto 23.6.2013 or until further orders. This Notification was issued on 02/07/2012.

This information was given by the Minister of State of Commerce and Industry, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

It’s all about making intelligent choices

Considering the times we live in and the importance being placed on food safety, it is high time we become cautious about what we consume, especially something as integral to our diet as milk. The recent survey conducted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India threw up some startling facts.

The study showed that adulteration of milk is rampant across the country, with as much as 70 percent of milk samples tested by the authorities failing to conform to standards.
In a country such as ours, which has a strong tradition of milk consumption, it is shocking that substances like glucose, urea, skim milk powder (SMP) and detergent are added to milk to increase its volume. You can imagine the ill effects this could have on your children, your family and you.
In spite of this, the number of people who consume loose milk is alarming. A large percentage of people across India still prefer consuming unpacked milk thinking it is fresh.
Consumers need to be cautious of the fact that loose milk has the maximum potential for contamination as it is handled manually and high standards of quality are not maintained by those selling it, especially given that it doesn't fall under the ambit of any regulatory control.
Boiling milk has long been considered the best way to remove bacteria. However, by doing so we also kill good bacteria present in the milk and reduce nutritional value.
The recent study on milk boiling habits conducted by the Indian Medical Academy (IMA) showed that boiling milk at home was causing nutrients to evaporate, thereby reducing its nutritional value.
The best alternative is to opt for milk processed with the Ultra High Temperature (UHT) technology as it is the safest and most reliable option.
In UHT technology, milk is heated at a very high temperature (135- 150 degrees C) in sterile conditions for a few seconds, then force-cooled to room temperature. This process removes all microorganisms from milk including dormant spores, which is not possible through pasteurisation.
At the same time, because the heating period is so brief, it retains nutrients and flavour. Packaged milk is preservative- free and assures consumers of fresh, high quality milk without the hassle of refrigeration and with easier transportation and convenient storage. It helps retain the characteristics of fresh milk for a longer period of time.
So, to choose health, choose packaged milk!

HC asks Delhi govt to decide on plea to ban tobacco products

The city government was asked on Wednesday by the Delhi High Court to examine and decide in two weeks a plea to ban the sale of tobacco products in Capital.
A bench of Acting Chief Justice AK Sikri and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw gave the direction to the government, while disposing of a petition by Doctors For You, a registered society, and asking it to approach the Delhi Government's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Citing a media report of July 31, in which a Delhi minister had said the government should ban sale of tobacco products here, the bench asked the state to consider the plea as representation and decide the same in two weeks.
The Delhi government's Standing Counsel Najmi Waziri said steps have been taken by the state on the issue and if a representation is made to it, it would consider the same.
Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Rajiv Mehra, meanwhile, told the bench that the government has written letters to various states to implement the Food Safety and Standards Act and some states have already banned the sale of tobacco products, invoking it.
The bench was hearing the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) which sought to ban tobacco products in the wake of a spurt in oral and lung cancer in the city.
According to the petition, filed through counsel Varun Chopra, eight states have banned the sale of gutka in their respective territories, but the Delhi government is yet to take any action.
"The Delhi government has not taken any action despite the Central government regulation," the petition said adding the oral cancer is on rise here.
The plea said under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the Centre framed a regulation in 2011 empowering the state's Food Safety Commissioner to ban tobacco products.
According to the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, gutka and other forms of chewing tobacco products such as zarda, pan masala, gul and bajjar which are toxic and addictive, should be banned from being sold in the state.
The states which have already banned gutka and similar products are Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Haryana, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Goa.
The petition said according to a study by the World Health Organisation's Regional Office for South-East Asia's on tobacco habits in Indian states, about 25 per cent of Delhi population consumes tobacco in some form.