•Salem district administration has banned sale, manufacture, transport, storage and retail of tobacco and nicotine-mixed food products under Tamil Nadu state law.
•District Collector K. Elambahavath warned traders of strict action including licence suspension, shop sealing and closure for violations.
•Penalties range from ₹25,000 for first offence to ₹1 lakh and licence cancellation for repeated violations, with potential imprisonment of up to six years upon criminal prosecution.
•Joint inspections by Food Safety Department, Police and local bodies are being conducted to curb illegal sales of smuggled products from neighbouring states.
•Public can report violations via WhatsApp 94440 42322, TN Food Safety Department website or TN Food Safety Consumer App.
•Banned products are often disguised as snacks or confectionery, posing health risks particularly to minors.
•Cases involving food sample collection will be prosecuted in criminal courts with penalties including fines up to ₹5 lakh and imprisonment.
Salem district authorities have launched a stringent crackdown on the sale of tobacco and nicotine-mixed food products, warning traders of severe penalties including licence suspension, shop closure, and hefty fines. District Collector K. Elambahavath issued a public statement on Sunday, reaffirming that the manufacture, transport, storage, and retail sale of such products are strictly prohibited under Tamil Nadu state law.
Despite the ban, officials have observed continued illegal sales of smuggled products from neighbouring states in certain pockets of Salem. To address this, a high-level coordination meeting was convened recently, attended by senior officials from the Police, Food Safety Department, and local bodies. The meeting underscored the need for joint surveillance and enforcement to curb the circulation of these banned items in the district.
As part of the intensified drive, food safety officers will conduct surprise inspections across food business establishments and commercial outlets. Any establishment found selling or storing banned products will face immediate action. The food safety licence or registration certificate of the offending unit will be temporarily suspended, and the premises will be sealed on the spot. Repeat offenders risk permanent cancellation of their licence, closure of the shop, and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.
Penalties escalate with repeated violations. First-time offenders will be fined ₹25,000. A second offence will attract a penalty of ₹50,000. For repeated violations, the fine increases to ₹1 lakh, along with licence cancellation and shop closure. Cases involving the collection of food samples will be referred to criminal courts, where convicted offenders may face imprisonment for up to six years and a fine of up to ₹5 lakh.
The public has been urged to report any instances of illegal sale or possession of tobacco and nicotine-mixed food products. Complaints can be lodged through multiple channels: a dedicated WhatsApp number (94440 42322), the Tamil Nadu Food Safety Department’s official website, or the TN Food Safety Consumer App. These platforms ensure prompt action by authorities.
The district administration’s move comes amid growing concerns over the health risks posed by unregulated tobacco and nicotine-infused food items, especially to children and adolescents. These products are often marketed in attractive forms, increasing their appeal and accessibility. Officials have stressed that the crackdown aims to protect public health and enforce regulatory compliance across Salem.
