Srinagar:The Drugs & Food Control Organization (D&FCO) Kashmir has started a special drive with regard to the implementation of Section 7 of Cigarettes & other Tobacco Products Act 2003, which prohibits the sale of cigarettes without a pictorial health warning.
Food Safety Officer Srinagar inspected various areas of Srinagar city and found some shopkeepers selling and supplying cigarettes without carrying a mandatory health warning.
It was revealed that a huge stock of cigarettes worth Rs 2, 20,325 contravening section 7 of the Act has been seized till date, and prosecutions against 20 food business operators have been launched in this regard in the competent court.
Sale/manufacture of tobacco products without pictorial health warning is a punishable offence with an imprisonment up to six months.
The department has warned the food business to desist from such kind of malpractice otherwise action as warranted under provisions of Cigarettes & other tobacco products Act will be taken.
