Department of Food Safety officials have sealed 24 shops and imposed a fine of ₹8.25 lakh for selling banned tobacco products between June 1 and July 13. Besides, the officials have imposed a penalty of ₹2 lakh on eight individuals for the same crime.

The Food Safety officials along with Virudhunagar district police have been conducting joint inspection of shops to contain sale of banned tobacco products.

Besides, the personnel from both the departments were also conducting inspections independently and booking cases.

The shops were allowed to be opened only after the shopkeepers paid the fine amount, a statement from Virudhunagar District Designated Officer S. Mariappan, said.

He added that for the first time offenders, the shops were closed for 14 days and a fine of ₹25,000 was imposed on them.

The second time offenders face 30 days closure of shops and they need to pay a fine amount of ₹50,000.

The shops that are found to commit the crime of selling banned tobacco products for the third time would be closed for 90 days and a fine ₹1 lakh would be imposed on them.

Dr. Mariappan said that traders should not stock, sell or transport goods mixed with tobacco.

People can alert the officials of Food Safety Department on defiencies in food products through Whatsapp over 9444042322 or through https://foodsafety.tn.gov.in

Published - July 16, 2026 04:43 pm IST