Uttar Pradesh bans pan masala in fight against coronavirus

In an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus, Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday (March 25) banned manufacture and sale of pan masala.

“Manufacturing, sale and storage of pan masala is being banned in the state till further orders,” Food Security Commissioner Ministhy S said in an order issued in Lucknow.

“Spitting pan masala can help in spreading COVID-19,” the order said.

The state had banned “gutkha” in April 1, 2013, she said, adding that those violating the orders will be dealt strictly according to the law.

The ban imposed on the first day of the nationwide lockdown is for an indefinite period.