Karnataka Bans Gutka and Pan Masala Sale Across State for One Year

The Karnataka government on Monday issued a notification prohibiting the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of gutka, pan masala, and other products containing tobacco or nicotine across the state for one year. Following the order, the Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department has stepped up enforcement measures to restrict the availability of these products.

The prohibition applies to gutka and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine, along with any other product sold separately that contains tobacco or nicotine in its final form, regardless of the name under which it is marketed. The rule covers both packaged and unpackaged items, including sachets, pouches, packages, and containers. Products packed separately but sold in a manner that enables consumers to mix them easily are also explicitly covered under the order.

The fresh notification was issued under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and Regulation 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011. Food Safety Commissioner Srinivas K. stated that the new order brings the prohibition in conformity with the legal provisions of the Act, noting that an earlier permanent prohibition issued by the department did not align with statutory requirements. Section 30(2)(a) empowers the Food Safety Commissioner to prohibit food articles in the interest of public health.

In response to the notification, the Food Safety Division launched special inspection and enforcement drives across Karnataka. Food Safety Officers have been directed to actively inspect the manufacturing, storage, transportation, and retail points for prohibited tobacco and nicotine items. Karnataka originally banned the manufacture and sale of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine in 2013 during U.T. Khader’s previous tenure as Health Minister.

The department has requested the public to report any ongoing manufacturing, sale, or distribution of these banned items to the authorities, seeking public cooperation to assist in building an addiction-free state.