Shimla, Jul 13: Evoking provisions of Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006, the Himachal Pradesh government on Friday announced a complete ban of sale and distribution of Gutka, Pan Masala, Masheri, Khaini and other such products.
Such food products if stored, manufactured or sold in the state would attract strict penal action against the persons and businesses involved, said a government spokesman.
Those found involved would be booked for violating the provisions of food safety act and proceeded against, he added.
The government has also directed state authorities not to register or issue a licenses to food business companies involved in manufacture and trade of these products.
Himachal Pradesh has become one of the first few states in the country to have made sale, distribution of these items illegal in the country.
The food safety law has provisions of imposing fines upto Rs 25000 on selling of products injurious to health.
The hill state has already effectively banned smoking at the public places, for which defaulters are fined.
