Smokeless tobaccois a major cause of concern as 50% of the oral cancers are linked to it, warned experts.
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.
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.
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.