The Manipur government has implemented a comprehensive ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of various tobacco products, effective immediately. The ban, announced by Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Food Safety Vineet Joshi, targets products including Gutkha, Pan Masala containing tobacco or nicotine, Chaap Tobacco, Pure Tobacco, Khaini, and Scented/Flavoured Tobacco.
The prohibition, set for one year, is in accordance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and related regulations. This measure aims to safeguard public health by addressing the sale and consumption of products containing harmful substances. The directive aligns with a Supreme Court order emphasizing stringent compliance with existing bans on tobacco products to prevent circumvention by manufacturers.
Authorities have been instructed to enforce the ban rigorously, ensuring that no tobacco products are sold in any form, whether packaged separately or together. The initiative follows observations of manufacturers exploiting legal loopholes by selling Pan Masala and flavored tobacco in separate sachets but often marketed together. The Supreme Court directed all states and Union Territories to ensure adherence to the ban.
The government’s decision is driven by concerns over the health risks associated with tobacco consumption. Tobacco use has been linked to various health issues, prompting regulatory measures to control its availability. The Commissioner of Food Safety emphasized that this ban is crucial for protecting consumer health and preventing potential hazards associated with these products.
The Manipur government’s stringent ban on tobacco products underscores its commitment to public health and compliance with national regulations. Authorities will monitor and enforce this prohibition to ensure that all tobacco products are removed from the market, safeguarding the well-being of the state’s residents.
