Bold Move: Manipur Government Champions Public Health with Sweeping Ban on Harmful Tobacco-Infused Foods
The Manipur government has announced a one-year ban on the production, storage, distribution, and sale of food products containing tobacco or nicotine, as per a notification issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This prohibition targets products such as gutkha, pan masala, khaini, zarda, and other chewable tobacco items. The decision aligns with the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011, aimed at safeguarding public health by restricting harmful substances in food.
This move follows directives from the Supreme Court of India, which previously noted that some manufacturers were circumventing bans on gutkha by selling pan masala and tobacco in separate sachets, allowing consumers to mix them. The court urged all states and union territories to rigorously enforce the ban to prevent such practices. Responding to this, the Commissioner of Food Safety in Manipur has implemented the ban to prioritize the health and well-being of the public.
The official notification, issued by the Commissioner of Food Safety, underscores the legal framework supporting this decision. According to the notification, the ban covers both packaged and unpackaged products that contain tobacco or nicotine, whether sold individually or in packs designed to facilitate mixing by consumers. The measure is effective immediately across the entire state of Manipur.
By instituting this ban, the Manipur government demonstrates its commitment to promoting public health and adhering to national regulations aimed at curbing the spread of harmful substances in consumable products. This proactive step is expected to contribute significantly to the reduction of tobacco-related health risks in the state.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/manipur-government-enforces-ban-on-tobacco-containing-food-products-1109781-2024-10-23?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2024-10-23 08:07:00
