Mumbai : The Global Adult Tobacco Survey of India (2009-10) has revealed that 31% of population above age-group of 15 consume chewable tobacco (gutkha, pan masala) whereas 7% of the population smoke cigarettes. Further, FDA Commissioner Harshadeep Kamble stated that like in the case of Nestle’s Maggi, actors who endorse gutkha and pan masala in advertisements will be given notices and an inquiry will be initiated.
In order to understand the opinions and issues of people in the states where chewable tobacco is banned, John Haffkine University Bloomberg School of Public Health Institute of Global Tobacco Control conducted surveys in Asaam, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and Delhi. They learnt that while 81% population supported the gutkha ban in these states, 99% agreed that gutkha ban is for people’s benefit.
The survey also revealed that the Gutkha shops have said that the consumption of guthka has decreased among people, however, they have now shifted to cigarettes. Meanwhile, Kamble stated that advertising companies are misleading people by promoting gutkha and pan masala as mouth fresheners and also adding to the worries is the fact that there are no pictorial warnings about its harmful effects.
He said that notices will be sent to actors Ajay Devgn, Shah Rukh Khan, Govinda and Manoj Bajpai for starring in guthka advertisements, and added that their side of the story will be heard and they will be given a chance to explain themselves.