The Salem district administration has warned traders against sale of banned tobacco and nicotine-mixed food products. Violators will face strict action, including suspension of food safety licences and closure of shops.

The District Collector, K. Elambahavath, said in a statement to the media that use, manufacture, transport, storage and retail sale of tobacco and nicotine-mixed food products was prohibited in the State. Despite the ban, products smuggled from neighbouring States continued to be sold illegally in certain areas. To curb the practice, a coordination meeting was recently held with officials from the Police, Food Safety Department and local bodies.

The Collector said officials would inspect food business establishments and commercial outlets to check for sale of the banned products. Food safety licence or registration certificate of the establishment would be temporarily suspended and the shop sealed if the banned products were sold.

For first-time offenders, a fine of ₹25,000 would be imposed. A second time offence would attract a penalty of ₹50,000, while repeated violations would lead to permanent cancellation of the licence or registration certificate, closure of the shop and a fine of ₹1 lakh.

He added that cases involving food sample collection would be prosecuted in criminal courts, where offenders could face imprisonment of up to six years and fines up to ₹5 lakh upon conviction.

The public can lodge complaints through the WhatsApp number 94440 42322, the Tamil Nadu Food Safety Department website or the TN Food Safety Consumer App, the release added.