Dimapur, Oct. 31 (EMN): The establishment of the deputy commissioner of Zunheboto has issued a notification stating that the sale of “Gutka” and “all twin pack pan masala containing tobacco and nicotine conjoined or packaged as a separate product” are now prohibited in Zunheboto district with immediate effect.
The notice was issued on October 29, updates stated.
The government publicity agency the department of Information and Public Relations (IPR) gave updates to the media on Thursday informing about the administration’s notice.
The move comes in the backdrop of ‘escalating trend of tobacco use leading to addiction among the local youth and the ever-increasing number of tobacco related diseases in our society,’ the IPR explained.
Failing to comply with the notification will be an offence punishable under section-59 of the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, the IPR stated.
Also, the notice is in compliance with the Supreme Court’s interim order of September 23 2016 and the state government’s notification dated May 19 2017 which prohibits manufacture, storage, distribution or sale of “Gutka,” “pan masala” which are products containing tobacco or nicotine; and other products marketed separately but having nicotine or tobacco in the final product.
