Gutka chewing tobacco ban widens to 12 states in India

Following the reclassification of gutka - a form of chewing tobacco - as a foodstuff, 12 states in India have now banned its sale, production and distribution.

With nearly 13 out of every 100,000 Indians suffering from oral cancer according to the World Health Organisation, it is hoped the ban will help improve the nation's health.

But many Indians whose livelihoods depend on the production of gutka - which is made out of areca nut, nicotine and a number of chemicals - are not happy about the ban.

Tom Santorelli reports.

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