The Andhra Pradesh High Court has ruled that chewing tobacco is not classified as food under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act), quashing related FIRs.
Andhra Pradesh HC Declares Chewing Tobacco Not Food Under FSS Act
The Andhra Pradesh High Court ruled that chewing tobacco does not fall within the definition of food as outlined in the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act). This decision led to the quashing of several FIRs filed under the FSS Act pertaining to chewing tobacco offences.
The court referenced previous decisions to underscore this clarification, emphasizing the divergence between food and tobacco products under the current regulatory framework. By delineating these categories, the court provides legal certainty for stakeholders in the tobacco and food industries.
For practitioners, this ruling brings clarity regarding the treatment of tobacco products under the FSS Act. Legal professionals advising clients in food safety and regulatory compliance must navigate these distinctions carefully to avoid potential legal pitfalls.
Citations
- Andhra Pradesh HC (2026) Unknown Unknown
