Govt to amend circular on chewing tobacco

The state government has decided to replace the word “chewing tobacco” with “pan masala” and “gutkha” in its order relating to crackdown on chewing tobacco units.

The government, in November last, had submitted to the high court that it had banned all forms of chewing tobacco including the flavoured and scented varieties. Previously, it had filed an affidavit along with the order of the Food Safety Commissionerate dated October 26, 2016, stating that it will enforce the provisions of Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulation, 2011.

Subsequently, in a circular dated November 24, 2016, the state government said the field officers should ensure closure of chewing tobacco manufacturing units if they are functioning and report the quantity of chewing tobacco confiscated or seized at such units.

However, in the circular issued on May 6, 2017, the government has said that in agreement with the Advocate General’s opinion, the word chewing tobacco in both the above directions would be replaced with the words “pan masala” and “gutkha.”

The circular issued by the Food Safety Commissionerate reads: “The Advocate general of Karnataka is of the opinion that the court did not issue any different order but reiterated that, authorities must enforce regulations in terms of the 2.3.4 of the 2011 Regulations. Therefore, to assume that orders of 23rd September 2016 required to be understood as directing ban on manufacture of chewing tobacco may not be correct.”

The government submitted to the court that rule 2.3.4 of the Regulation — product not to contain any substance which may be injurious to health; tobacco and nicotine shall not be used as ingredients in any food products — will be enforced.

Subodh Yadav, Commissioner, department of Health and Family Welfare said that the word chewing tobacco had been mentioned accidentally in the circular in place of “pan masala” and “gutkha” and hence they would be changed.