Chandigarh: The manufacturing of products containing tobacco or nicotine including 'gutka', 'pan masala', processed, flavoured and scented chewing tobacco was banned by the Punjab government with immediate effect.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal ordered the ban on Thursday, said a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office.

"The state government had already issued a notification dated January 1, 2016, banning the storage, sale or distribution of 'gutka', 'pan masala', processed/flavoured/scented chewing tobacco and any other food products containing tobacco or nicotine as ingredients", the spokesperson said.

Badal directed the health department to take immediate steps to ensure a complete ban on the manufacturing of these products.(IANS) (Picture Courtesy:exportersindia.com)