Gurugram, The Haryana state Food and Drugs Administration on Wednesday slapped a one-year ban on the selling and manufacturing of gutkha and pan masala in view of spread of COVID-19 in the state.

The ban was directed by the Commissioner of Food and Drugs Administration who has directed all districts to comply and implement his orders strictly.

"The letter said, in exercise of section-30 of the Food and Safety and Standard act, 2006, Commissioner Food and Drugs Administration of Haryana, has prohibited in the interest of public health and banned the manufacture, storage distribution or sale of tobacco which is either flavoured, scented or mixed with any addictive in view of spread of COVID-19 in Haryana state", said RS Sangwan, DPRO of Gurugram.