The Nagaland government has imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of all food products containing tobacco or nicotine across the state. An order issued by the Commissioner of Food Safety said the ban has been enforced in the interest of public health and in compliance with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, relevant regulations and directions of the Supreme Court.

 

The ban covers all forms of gutkha, pan masala, flavoured and scented chewable products, as well as any other food items containing tobacco or nicotine. It also applies to packaged and unpackaged products sold separately but intended to be mixed or consumed together by users.

 

The Health and Family Welfare Department said the widespread consumption of such products poses serious health hazards, particularly among children and young adults. The government said the measure aims to protect public health and curb the use of harmful tobacco-based food products in the state.