Beyond Gutka: Evidence of Illegal Smokeless Tobacco in Rural and Semi-urban Areas in India.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Gutka, a popular smokeless tobacco (SLT) product combining chewing tobacco, areca nut, and spices, was banned by states in India beginning in 2012. Gutka can be recreated by the user mixing twin packets of tobacco and spice mixtures. We examine the availability of premixed gutka, the sale of twin packets (chewing tobacco and spice mixture sold together but in separate packets) and whether SLT was sold without legally mandated health warning labels (HWLs), without the printed maximum retail price (MRP), and above the MRP.

Aims and methods

In October/November of 2017, unique SLT packets were purchased using a systematic protocol in 25 localities with populations under 50 000 across five Indian states. Purchase information (location, twin packets, price paid) and p

SUBMITTER: Welding K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9048865 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature