New Delhi, Nov 25 (IANS): The union health ministry has recommended a ban on sale of loose cigarettes and also increase in the minimum age of a person to whom tobacco products can be sold, it was announced Tuesday.

Health Minister J.P. Nadda in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha said the ministry has accepted the recommendations of the committee, which was formed by the ministry, to review Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA).

In the written statement, Nadda said the expert panel has recommended "prohibition on sale of loose or single stick of cigarette, increasing the minimum legal age for sale of tobacco products, increasing the fine or penalty amounts for violation of certain provisions of the Act as well as making such offences cognizable".

Nadda said the ministry has accepted the committee's recommendations and a draft note for the cabinet has been circulated for inter-ministerial consultation.