Group 1 - The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified betel nut as a Group 1 carcinogen, prompting the Sichuan Provincial Market Supervision Administration to enforce stricter supervision and inspection of food establishments selling betel nut products [1] - A high-end betel nut brand recently held a controversial launch event in Guangzhou, promoting a co-branded gift box, which has sparked widespread debate [1][2] - In 2021, the National Radio and Television Administration issued a notice to stop promoting betel nut products through broadcasting and online audiovisual programs, indicating a significant regulatory shift [2] Group 2 - The betel nut industry in China has surpassed a market size of 100 billion yuan, indicating significant growth despite regulatory challenges [2] - Prior to the implementation of new regulations, betel nut brands had invested heavily in advertising, with one company spending approximately 14.26 million yuan on ads across 12 channels in six cities in 2015 [2] - Following the 2021 regulations, a betel nut company has reportedly taken action to withdraw promotional products from display in stores, indicating compliance with the new guidelines [2][3]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the harmful effects of betel nut (槟榔), highlighting its addictive properties and severe health risks, including cancer, while emphasizing the societal tendency to overlook these dangers despite the evident consequences [64][41][42]. Group 1: Health Risks - Betel nut is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization, with 100% evidence of its carcinogenic potential [41][42]. - Long-term consumption of betel nut can lead to oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), which causes severe oral pain and dysfunction, ultimately leading to difficulties in speaking and swallowing [27][28][29]. - The incidence of oral cancer in regions like Hunan is significantly higher, with rates soaring to 6-8 per 100,000, particularly among betel nut chewers [64]. Group 2: Addiction Mechanism - Betel nut contains arecoline, which acts on the nervous system, increasing dopamine release and leading to addiction [32][33]. - The withdrawal from betel nut can cause feelings of emptiness and irritability, prompting users to consume more [33][34]. - The combination of betel nut with alcohol and tobacco enhances its addictive properties, further complicating cessation efforts [37][38]. Group 3: Societal Impact - Despite the known health risks, betel nut continues to be marketed and consumed widely, with media promoting its use [56][58]. - The article criticizes the deceptive marketing practices that downplay the dangers of betel nut, which contribute to public health issues [64]. - The long-term consequences of betel nut consumption include not only cancer but also significant disfigurement and loss of oral function, affecting quality of life [64].

Core Viewpoint - E-commerce platforms such as Taobao, JD.com, and Pinduoduo continue to sell betel nut as food, which violates regulations set by the National Market Supervision Administration [21][27]. Group 1: Current Status of Betel Nut Sales - As of now, platforms like Taobao still categorize betel nut under "food" sections, such as "snacks" and "confectionery," without any changes from previous months [4][6][8]. - JD.com also lists betel nut under "food and beverages" as "dried fruits," indicating a similar trend in misclassification [9][12]. - Pinduoduo has shown some awareness by removing betel nut from its homepage recommendations but still categorizes it under "local agricultural products" and "dried fruits" [15][16][19]. Group 2: Regulatory Violations - The classification of betel nut as food contradicts the National Market Supervision Administration's regulations, which state that betel nut is not recognized as food and should not be sold as such [21][23]. - The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified betel nut as a Group 1 carcinogen, linking it to increased risks of oral cancer [25][26]. Group 3: Recommendations for E-commerce Platforms - Legal experts suggest that e-commerce platforms should remove betel nut from food categories and provide clear warnings that it is not a food product [27][28]. - Platforms are encouraged to enhance consumer education regarding the health risks associated with betel nut and to avoid misleading advertising [27].