Question : CANCER FROM PAN MASALA

(a) whether Government are aware that new research has shown that pan masala causes cancer not only in the mouth but also in other parts of the body and it can also cause tumours in several part of the body in the long run;

(b) whether chewing of pan masala is getting popular among school going children and young boys and girls;

(c) whether the pan masala sachets are to be replaced by the above giving a stern warning to chewers of its serious ill-effects;

(d) whether there is any plans of the Government to bring awareness among the coming up generation about the deadly ill-effects of this brand; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)

(a): According to Indian Council of Medical Research studies have been reported on in-vitro Genotoxicity as well as experimental induction of cancer in animals, by abstract of areca nut, which is a major component in Pan Masala.

(b): No such data is available.

(c): The PFA rules 1955 provide that every package of Pan Masala and advertisements relating thereto shall carry the following warning, namely:- `Chewing of Pan Masala may be injurious to Health`

(d)&(e): The advertisement of Pan Masala is banned on Doordarshan and All India Radio. All the State/UT Government have been advised to educate the masses through various measures to discourage consumption of these products.