Ban of Manufacture, Storage, Transport, Distribution or Sale of Chewable Food Products, Gutkha, Panmasala Containing Tobacco and Nicotine as “Ingredients” in the State of Tamil Nadu for a Period of One Year from 23rd May 2018 under the Food Safety and Drug Administration Order
The Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration, Tamil Nadu State, issued Notification No. VI(1)/184(a)/2018 under file No. 1418/2013/S8/FSSA on 23 May 2018, prohibiting the manufacture, storage, transport, distribution and sale of food products containing tobacco or nicotine throughout Tamil Nadu. The notification renews the prohibition for a further period of one year from 23 May 2018 and covers gutkha, panmasala, chewable products and separately packaged products sold in a way that facilitates mixing.
What the notification does
Notification No. VI(1)/184(a)/2018, issued by the Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration, Tamil Nadu State, under file No. 1418/2013/S8/FSSA on 23 May 2018, imposes a statewide public health prohibition. It applies for a further period of one year from 23 May 2018.
The prohibition covers the following activities involving affected products:
- Manufacture.
- Storage.
- Transport.
- Distribution.
- Sale.
Products covered
Notification No. VI(1)/184(a)/2018 applies to food products containing tobacco or nicotine as ingredients, whether chewable or otherwise. The products may be flavoured, scented or mixed with additives.
The prohibition includes:
- Gutkha and panmasala containing tobacco or nicotine.
- Flavoured or scented food products containing tobacco or nicotine.
- Chewable food products containing tobacco or nicotine, whatever name they are sold under.
- Packaged and unpackaged products.
- Products sold as a single product.
- Separate products packaged, sold or distributed in a way that makes it easy for a consumer to mix them.
The notification explains that manufacturers had been selling panmasala without tobacco and flavoured chewing tobacco in separate sachets, often together, so consumers could mix them. The prohibition is therefore not limited to ready mixed products.
Who is affected
Notification No. VI(1)/184(a)/2018 affects manufacturers, storage operators, transporters, distributors, vendors and other persons dealing with covered food products anywhere in Tamil Nadu. A product is not outside the prohibition merely because its tobacco component and panmasala component are supplied in separate packets.
The notification concerns food safety and the commercial handling of specified products. It does not set out requirements for land ownership, property registration, planning permission or land use.
Reason for the prohibition
The Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration, Tamil Nadu State, states that tobacco and nicotine must not be used as ingredients in food products because they are injurious to health. The notification also records concern about the effects of these products on school students, children, younger people, coolies and hard labourers, and says their consumption endangers the health and wellbeing of current and future generations.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Does the prohibition apply throughout Tamil Nadu?
Yes. Notification No. VI(1)/184(a)/2018 applies to the whole State of Tamil Nadu.
Can panmasala and flavoured chewing tobacco be sold in separate sachets?
Not where the separate products are sold or distributed in a way that easily facilitates mixing by the consumer and the resulting food product contains tobacco or nicotine.
How long does the prohibition apply?
The Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration, Tamil Nadu State, imposed it for a further period of one year with effect from 23 May 2018.
Does this notification affect my land purchase or property registration?
The notification deals with the manufacture, storage, transport, distribution and sale of food products containing tobacco or nicotine. It does not contain provisions about land purchases or property registration.
