Hunan bans advertising of betel nuts

Health concerns are not cause of order, says head of industry organization

Betel nut producers in Hunan province - famous for its robust betel nut processing industry and widespread consumption - have been told to remove all forms of advertising this week.

In a notice issued on March 7 and circulated online, the Hunan Betel Food Industry Association ordered related enterprises in the province to halt advertisements by Friday. The ban encompasses all media channels as well as any form of promotion in public places.