Council calls for a legal framework for the Suki regulation – FBC News

(Source: WHO)

The Consumer Council says a legal framework is needed to regulate Suki as it is currently outside the scope of regulation.

Chief executive Seema Shandil made the call during the release of a report titled Smoke Signal: Understanding the factors influencing Suki consumption in Fiji.

The report found that 71 percent of respondents switched from cigarettes to suka due to the lower price, indicating a significant economic impact on tobacco use.

Shandil says the report shows a significant number of Fijians started using suka between the ages of 18 and 34, highlighting the need for targeted interventions aimed at young adults.

“This has become a growing problem plaguing our communities, especially the next generation. Although we didn’t include it in our report, our study sort of included people over the age of 18, but we know that there may be some people under that age who may be consuming bitch due to the unregulated nature of bitch.”

The CEO says a comprehensive approach will address the potential risks associated with using suka.

“The Consumer Council is firmly committed to protecting consumers not only from issues that arise in the marketplace, but also from issues that affect their health.”

Shandil adds that strengthening the legal framework will make the law explicitly cover souks, subjecting them to similar regulation as industrially produced cigarettes.