CAMPCO appeals to Devendra Fadnavis to revoke prohibition on flavoured supari products in Maharashtra since 2013

Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Co-operative Limited (CAMPCO), Mangaluru, has appealed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to revoke the prohibition imposed on flavoured supari products in Maharashtra since 2013.

Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Co-operative Limited (CAMPCO), Mangaluru, has appealed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to revoke the prohibition imposed on flavoured supari products in Maharashtra since 2013.

In a letter to Mr. Fadnavis on December 9, president of the cooperative A. Kishore Kumar Kodgi said that a gazette notification issued by the Commissioner of Food Safety and Drugs Administration, Maharashtra, every July since 2013 prohibits the manufacture, storage, distribution, transport, and sale of flavoured supari under the pretext of linking it with products such as tobacco and gutka.

Mr. Kodgi said that flavoured supari products made by CAMPCO fully comply with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India norms and are distinct from harmful products like tobacco, gutka, or pan masala.

The prohibition is causing undue hardship to farmers, traders, and small businesses, despite these products adhering to all regulatory standards and being legally manufactured and sold across the rest of India, he said.

“...We humbly request your kind intervention to revoke the prohibition on flavoured supari products in Maharashtra. This will ensure a level playing field for farmers and businesses while upholding the principles of fair regulation...,” Mr. Kodgi wrote.

Highlighting the key differences between flavoured supari and pan masala, he said that the definition under GST tariff (chapter 21) says that “betel nut powder known as supari” contains betel nuts without lime, catechu or tobacco while “pan masala” includes betel nuts with lime, catechu or tobacco.

Referring to compliance with FSSAI regulations, the chapter says that “flavoured supari” is fully compliant with the Food Safety and Standards Act and not prohibited in other States, while “pan masala” faces legal challenges under Food Safety and Standards Regulations.