Authorities in Dakshina Kannada have directed officials to strictly enforce a ban on the use of plastic and newspapers for packing hot food items in eateries across the district due to potential health risks.
Additional Deputy Commissioner K. Raju issued the directive during a District Level Coordination Committee meeting held under the National Tobacco Control Programme in Mangaluru. He stated that packing hot food in plastic or newspaper can allow harmful chemicals and ink residues to seep into the food, posing serious health hazards to consumers.
Many workers, patients, and travelers frequently rely on takeaway food from hotels and canteens. In such situations, improper packaging materials may contaminate the food and increase health risks. Authorities have therefore instructed food establishments to avoid these materials and adopt safer food-grade packaging.
Strict Action on Public Tobacco Violations
During the meeting, the Additional Deputy Commissioner also instructed officials to intensify enforcement against tobacco violations in public places. Authorities have been asked to impose penalties on individuals who smoke tobacco in public areas and on shopkeepers violating tobacco control rules.
Officials were directed to take action against shops that:
- Fail to display mandatory tobacco warning boards
- Sell tobacco products to individuals below 21 years of age
- Sell loose cigarettes or tobacco products
- Promote tobacco products through billboards or advertisements
Educational institutions were also asked to remain vigilant. Heads of schools and colleges have been instructed to monitor and report vendors selling tobacco products within 100 meters of educational institutions to local authorities and police.
Enforcement Under Tobacco Control Laws
According to officials from the District Tobacco Control Cell, fines of up to ₹1,000 are imposed on individuals caught smoking in public places as well as on shopkeepers selling cigarettes illegally.
Last year, enforcement under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) led to 2,587 cases being registered, with authorities collecting fines totaling ₹3.89 lakh. In addition, 52 tobacco-related billboards were removed during the operation.
District Health Officer Thimmaiah, District Surveillance Officer Naveen Chandra Kulal, Taluk Health Officer Sujay, and other officials were present at the meeting.
Focus on Public Health and Food Safety
The district administration emphasized that strict coordination between the police, education department, and local governments is essential to curb both unsafe food packaging practices and tobacco violations. Authorities hope these measures will improve public health and ensure safer food handling practices in eateries across the district.
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