State legislates for smokeless ban

Assam has become the first state in India to legislate specifically for a ban on the consumption of all forms of smokeless tobacco products containing nicotine, according to a story in the most recent issue of the BBM Bommidala Group newsletter.

The Assam Health Bill bans the manufacture and advertisement of, trade in, and the storage, distribution and sale of “zarda, gutkha, pan masala, etc.”

More than 28 states and union territories have enforced similar bans, but under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations 2011.