Karnataka Bans Sale and Distribution of Gutkha, Pan Masala With Tobacco or Nicotine for One Year
Bengaluru, August 12: The Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration has prohibited the sale and distribution of products containing tobacco and nicotine across the state for one year, while stepping up enforcement against the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of gutkha, pan masala and other prohibited products containing tobacco and/or nicotine.
The department said the prohibition was imposed through a government notification dated August 10, 2026, in the interest of public health. The notification will remain in force throughout Karnataka for one year from the date of its issuance.
The action has been taken 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.
According to a press note issued by the Office of the Commissioner, Food Safety and Drug Administration, on August 12, special inspection and enforcement operations are being conducted across the state under the leadership of Food Safety Officers.
The enforcement drive targets the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of gutkha, pan masala and other prohibited products containing tobacco and/or nicotine.
The department appealed to the public to inform the authorities if they come across the manufacture, sale or distribution of prohibited tobacco and nicotine products and sought cooperation in its public health enforcement efforts.
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