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• 'Tobacco-candy' stores face crackdown 

A NATIONWIDE crackdown on candy containing tobacco, which is being sold to children at cold stores, has been launched, government's consumer protection officials said yesterday.

The "chaini khaini", a mixture of sun-dried tobacco leaves and fruit flavours such as strawberry, lime and mint, is illegal in Bahrain and unlicensed by the Health Ministry, they said.

"However, it is more likely that it was brought to Bahrain by individuals arriving from abroad," said an Industry and Commerce Ministry spokesman.

The product, indigenous to India, is said to be addictive, with its daily consumption among users ranging from three to 30 times.

"After learning from some reports in the media that this product was available at several cold stores, the Industry and Commerce Ministry contacted Food Safety Directorate officials at the Health Ministry, who confirmed it," said the spokesman.

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