Smokeless tobacco products, Myanmar items seized

Imphal, June 22: Illegal smokeless tobacco products and other Myanmar made edible items worth Rs 50,000 were seized during a surprise drive carried out by personnel of Food Safety and Standards Enforcement Wing, Imphal East on Thursday . One bakery was also closed down during the drive conducted in Pangei, Khumidok and Khundrakpam areas. Officials of the enforcement wing said the bakery at Khumidok did not maintain standard levels of hygiene that led to its seizure. The enforcement wing said food items in the market should maintain standard levels for safety of public health. Selling banned food items by any individual can be jailed for 6 months along with upto Rs 5 lakh fine under Food Safety and S tandard Act 2006. Selling and dealing of banned tobacco products in Manipur has become a lucrative business now despite the ban. Zarda pan per serving now costs Rs 20 and special pan which was earlier available at Rs 100 per serving now costs Rs 150-200. Chewable tobacco product Talab costs Rs 15 per sachet now while golden khaini costs Rs 20-30 per tin. In the last seven years Food Safety and Standards Enforcement Wing has been able to generate Rs 64,68,033 lakh revenue, according a media report. In the earlier drives carried out under the supervision of the Food Safety Commissioner in various parts of Manipur from May 28 to June 12, adulterated food items and tobacco products worth Rs 29,76,850 were seized and disposed.