For youngsters to not get addicted, Maharashtra bans selling tobacco in shops selling FMCG products

Mumbai, January 25: After imposing a ban on plastics, Maharashtra bans the sale of tobacco at shops selling Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) goods with a concern to keep children away from tobacco. The Maharashtra government announced a ban on the sale of tobacco at shops that sell chocolates, chips and other edible items. 

It was observed that children get attracted to the packaging like chocolates. "Children tend to get influenced a lot by the presence of tobacco and other items while they are out shopping for food items like chocolates and chips," said Pallavi Darade, Commissioner, Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) include packaged food and other consumables, toiletries etc. The FDA has also extended the ban on 'scented supari' (areca nut) by six months until July 2018, she said.

"FDA has also planned a state-wide drive for enforcement of the decision," Darade, added.

The central government had asked the State Chief Secretary to prohibit shops selling fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) from selling tobacco, she said. "This practice attracts teenagers to consume tobacco. Therefore, we came up with a notification on January 9, banning all shops selling FMCG items from selling any tobacco products," Darade said.