The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) on Saturday banned the sale of betel nuts (supari/chaliya) in Punjab by giving 90 days deadline to wrap up the business. This decision was taken in a Scientific Panel meeting of the PFA which was presided over by PFA Director General Noor ul Amin Mengal. The panel have presented recommendations in a meeting before to immediately stop the production and sale of betel nuts at 'paan' shops and general stores which is harmful for human health.
On the occasion, DG Noor ul Amin Mengal said this initiative is a part of the PFA mission in order to make healthy Punjab. "Our slogan of providing healthy food 'From Farm to Fork' is not merely a saying but is our practical priority. Betel nuts may cause mouth, throat, oral and stomach cancer as well tooth decay. The PFA has given three months business adjustment time till April 30 to people involved in this business," he added.
A large number of people, especially youngsters, are suffering from oral submucous fibrosis (SMF) and in this condition patient could not open mouth completely and ultimately they lose jaw movement. A strict action as per the relevant provisions of PFA Act 2011 shall be initiated against them after April 30.
Menagl further said that the use and profession of betel nut is strictly prohibited in many countries like the UAE, Uttar Pradesh India and Papua New Guinea and added that it is also declared punishable offence and people could not chew such products in public places. He said millions of people have been affected due to chewing and eating betel nuts across the world. The World Health Organization has already classified betel nut as a carcinogen, which is a substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue.
He said the PFA will not allow anyone to sell hazardous food in the name of challiya. He further said that the PFA will boost its awareness campaign in society to prevent such products. He requested public to avoid the use of harmful products like betel nut.
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