Maharashtra govt cancels licenses of gutkha makers

Maharashtra govt cancels licenses of gutkha makers

Sunday, January 30, 2005 (Mumbai):

Acting on a report about the presence of carcinogenic magnesium carbonate in several gutkha brands, the Maharashtra government has cancelled the production and distribution licenses of several gutkha and pan masala brands which were not conforming to FDA norms.

The state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to ban sale of gutkha all over the state with effect from Sunday.

Carcinoegenic substances found

This comes after a notice given by FDA to all gutkha manufacturers to mention the contents of their product on the cover.

Testing of the samples in the FDA laboratory revealed that gutkha contained magnesium carbonate to the extent of three to five per cent. The FDA then decided to crack down.

"We had issued notices to gutkha manufacturers three months ago. Their samples contain magnesium carbonate and that is why we have banned it as it is in the interests of the people," said A Ramakrishnan, FDA Commissioner.

Move welcomed

Though some people appreciate the decision taken by the government, others are doubtful about its effectiveness.

They say that not just gutkha but all tobacco products should be banned or else people won't stop consuming tobacco.

"This is a good move. It is in the interest of people's health. If they impose such a rule, it should be on all tobacco products and they should not be available secretly," said a local.

The gutkha industry has an annual turnover of Rs 7,000-8,000 crore in the country, out of which it is Rs 2,000 crore in Mahrashtra alone.

from ndtv.com