Gutkha sale banned in Maharashtra

The Maharashtra government has cancelled production and distribution licenses of several gutkha and pan masala brands because they were not conforming to Food and Drug Administration rules.

The government has banned sale of the product in the state from Sunday.

The move comes after a FDA notice to gutkha manufacturers to mention the contents of their product on the cover.

Tests done by the FDA revealed that gutkha contained magnesium carbonate to the extent of three to five per cent.