The Karnataka government imposed a complete statewide ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation, and sale of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine for one year. The Office of the Commissioner of Food Safety issued the prohibitory notification, citing alarming public health risks across the state. Consequently, the enforcement order comes into effect immediately across all districts.

Food safety authorities invoked powers under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 to execute the regulatory crackdown.

Order Plugs Twin-Pack Marketing Loophole

The official notification covers a wide range of chewable tobacco formulations. Furthermore, the order specifically targets manufacturers who attempt to bypass legal restrictions through separate packaging.

In recent years, several tobacco companies started selling pan masala and pure tobacco in twin pouches. Consumers subsequently mixed the contents together before consumption.

However, the new government directive explicitly prohibits any twin-pack variants or separate component sachets intended for joint consumption.

Therefore, vendors cannot legally supply these items even if they store them as distinct products.

Chewable tobacco products contain severe carcinogens that directly cause oral cancer, heart disease, and digestive disorders.

Health advocates and medical professionals have long campaigned for stricter regulatory controls to protect young adults and manual workers from addiction.

Under statutory regulations framed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), state governments possess the legal authority to ban hazardous food substances in the interest of public health.

Consequently, Karnataka join neighboring states in periodically renewing these prohibitive bans.

District task forces and food safety inspectors will now conduct surprise inspections across retail shops and wholesale markets to enforce total compliance.

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