BHOPAL: Smokeless tobacco is a major cause of concern as 50% of the oral cancers are linked to it, warned experts.
State government needs to develop specific policies to control tobacco epidemic. A consultation-cum-orientation program on smokeless tobacco and other issues was organized by Madhya Pradesh Voluntary Health Association with the support of International Union Against Tuberculosis & Lung Diseases recently.
MPVHA Executive Director Mukesh Kumar Sinha said that Madhya Pradesh was the first state which prohibited the manufacture and sale of Gutkha in the year 2012. He cited that Clause 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulation prohibits the use of tobacco and nicotine as ingredients in any food product.
“FSSAI also says that anticaking agent like magnesium carbonate cannot be used in food items. Various states in India have prohibited manufacture, storage, distribution, sale of processed, flavored scented chewing tobacco/nicotine by the name of gutka, zarda,k haini,panmasala under clause 2.3.4 of FSSAI,” he added. According to Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2016-17).In Madhya Pradesh 28.1% of all adults (38.7% of men and 16.8% of women) (15 years and above) use smokeless tobacco. Gutka and Khaini are the most commonly used form of SLT products. Director of National Health Mission, Dr Pankaj Shukla, said, “Tobacco control campaign will be run vigorously in the state and we will all work with determination for tobacco control.”
Deputy Director of Madhya Pradesh Police Academy Vineet Kapoor noted the of society along with the police is important in enforcing the laws and we have to ensure the participation of social organizations for tobacco control.
