Madurai food safety raids seize 135kg banned tobacco products

Madurai: The district food safety department seized 134.93kg of banned tobacco products during inspections conducted across Madurai district between May 1 and May 26.Officials inspected 6,341 shops during the drive, including 3,804 checked by food safety officers and 2,537 by joint inspection teams. Banned tobacco products were found at 32 locations, leading to the sealing of 28 shops.Authorities imposed fines totalling Rs10.25 lakh on 30 people for violations. FIRs were registered in nine cases, and further legal action is underway.The district administration said continuous monitoring and strict action would continue against the sale, storage and smuggling of banned tobacco products in the district. Officials also urged the public to report the sale of banned pan masala, gutka and similar products to the food safety department or police.