Maharashtra govt cancels licenses of gutka makers

: "Acting on a report about the presence of carcinogenic magnesium carbonate in several gutka brands, the Maharashtra government has cancelled the production and distribution licenses of several gutka and pan masala brands, which were not conforming to FDA norms. The state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to ban sale of gutka all over the state with effect from Sunday.

Though some people appreciate the decision taken by the government, others are doubtful about its effectiveness. They say that not just gutka but all tobacco products should be banned or else people won't stop consuming tobacco. The gutka industry has an annual turnover of Rs 7,000-8,000 crore in the country, out of which it is Rs 2,000 crore in Maharashtra alone."