It's done. Finally a ban on the sale of gutka and pan masala

"CHENNAI, Nov.18. The much awaited ban on sale of gutka, pan masala and chewing tobacco will come into effect in the State from Monday." Headlines scream in glee.

This notification which was issued by the Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine specifies that "no person shall himself or by any person on his behalf, manufacture for sale or store, sell or distribute chewing tobacco, pan masala and gutka."

Issued in public health interest, in exercise of powers conferred by the Prevention of Food and Adulteration Act, the decision bans the sale of products containing tobacco in any form or any "other ingredient injurious to health under whatever name or description" sold in Tamil Nadu. This follows in the wake of research reports that have proved that chewing these products causes oral cancer.

The ban will be valid for a period of five years, with effect from November 19.

The Director of Public Health, has been vested with powers to implement this ban. Food inspectors attached to the Authority will conduct raids in the State with the support of the police and seize such products from retail and wholesale outlets.

Following in the wake of the Supreme Court order banning smoking in public places, this effort to ban chewing tobacco, pan masala and gutka is a welcome sequel by the State Administration. It is believed that the notification will be followed up with a heavy publicity campaign and intensive raids.

The difficulty, though, given the mode of usage - would be apprehending the offenders. Unlike smoking, which is blatantly obvious.

In public interest, personal interest, selfish interest ..users please, why wait to ban pan? Give it up. Yours insides will thank you for it.

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