Karnataka Imposes One-Year Ban on Gutkha and Tobacco-Nicotine Pan Masala
Karnataka Imposes One-Year Ban on Gutkha and Tobacco-Nicotine Pan Masala
Bengaluru, Aug 12 : The Karnataka government has imposed a statewide ban for one year on gutkha, pan masala and other specified products containing tobacco or nicotine, strengthening its efforts to curb the consumption and availability of harmful smokeless tobacco products.
The order, issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Food Safety, Karnataka, prohibits the **manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale** of products covered by the notification throughout the state.
The government has taken the step primarily on public-health and food-safety grounds. Under existing food-safety regulations, tobacco and nicotine are prohibited from being used as ingredients in food products. Gutkha and similar products containing these substances have consequently remained under regulatory scrutiny.
A key focus of the latest prohibition is the so-called "twin-pack" practice. Under this system, pan masala without tobacco and flavoured chewing tobacco are sold separately, often in sachets that consumers can purchase together and mix before consumption. Authorities have been concerned that this practice could be used to circumvent restrictions on gutkha containing tobacco or nicotine.
The new measure is intended to strengthen enforcement and prevent manufacturers, distributors and retailers from using such methods to bypass the prohibition.
The restriction goes beyond retail shops. Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, transporters and others involved in the supply chain will also be required to comply with the order during the one-year period.
The Supreme Court has previously taken note of the practice of selling pan masala and flavoured chewing tobacco separately for consumers to mix, and authorities have been directed to enforce applicable food-safety regulations.
With the latest order, Karnataka is expected to intensify inspections and enforcement against prohibited tobacco and nicotine-containing products.
The government hopes the measure will reduce access to smokeless tobacco products and address the health risks associated with their consumption. Any manufacture, stocking, transportation, distribution or sale of products covered under the notification during the prohibition period could invite action under applicable food-safety laws and regulations.
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