Mumbai: In an attempt to crack down on the chewing tobacco trade, the state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered its officers to invoke the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) against networks manufacturing and distributing banned products like gutkha, tobacco, and nicotine-containing pan masala.FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said on Friday that it is well-known these products are severely detrimental to public health. “There needs to be a stop to consumption. The initiative will dismantle the entire syndicate of the illicit gutkha trade,” he said.While the FDA’s role will still be limited to the Food Safety and Standards Act, officers will now have to coordinate with the police to initiate action under MCOCA alongside it.Mundhe said prior FDA investigations into gutkha sellers have shown a long trail of forged documents, fake invoices, dummy companies, secret warehouses, and interstate supply chains.He added said that between May 25 and June 11, 354 establishments were inspected for prohibited food items, resulting in the seizure of items worth Rs 3.27 crore. There have also been 235 FIRs and 359 arrests, while 274 establishments have been sealed.The move has been in the pipeline since late last year. FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal had earlier announced MCOCA for gutkha sellers, however, the administration was awaiting the opinion of the law and judiciary department.
