J&K bans sale and storage of smokeless tobacco product ‘Cool Lip’ in Kathua

Jammu, Oct 3: In a decisive move to safeguard public health, particularly that of children and young people, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has imposed a complete ban on the storage, sale, display, and distribution of the smokeless tobacco product ‘Cool Lip’ in Kathua district with immediate effect. The order, issued by District Magistrate Rajesh Sharma, cites mounting concerns over the rising use of the product among school-going children and youth, as well as its serious health implications.

The decision follows reports of ‘Cool Lip’ being openly sold in local shops and its alarming consumption among students. The order, passed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, states that the prohibition will remain in force until further orders and has been widely circulated across print, electronic, and social media to ensure public awareness. Authorities, including the Senior Superintendent of Police, the Chief Education Officer, tehsildars, naib tehsildars, and the designated food safety officer, have been tasked with enforcing the ban strictly.

Raising a red flag over the increasing incidence of intoxication among minors, parents, teachers, and public representatives have expressed grave concern about the harmful effects of ‘Cool Lip,’ warning that it threatens not only physical and mental health but also the educational environment in schools. The administration cited Clause 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011, which explicitly prohibits the use of tobacco and nicotine as ingredients in any food product, as the legal basis for the action.

District Magistrate Sharma emphasized that the product poses severe health risks, including carcinogenic effects, addiction, and adverse oral health consequences, making its prohibition a public health imperative. “It became necessary to ban such items to protect our youth from their damaging impact and prevent the normalization of tobacco use at an early age,” he stated.

The banned product, marketed in small pouches and consumed by placing it under the lip to achieve a high, has been increasingly linked to harmful behavioral and health patterns in adolescents. Health experts have long warned that such smokeless tobacco products act as a gateway to nicotine addiction and can lead to chronic diseases, including oral cancers.

Officials said the administration’s action is part of a broader effort to combat the spread of harmful tobacco products in the Union Territory and to ensure compliance with national food safety and public health regulations. The move has been widely welcomed by parents, educators, and public health advocates, who see it as a critical step toward protecting young people and promoting a healthier community.

With enforcement teams now on high alert and awareness campaigns underway, the Kathua district administration has made it clear that violations of the order will invite strict legal action. The ban, officials added, sends a strong message that public health, especially the well-being of the younger generation, remains a top priority.