Published Aug 12, 2026 | 8:48 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 12, 2026 | 8:49 PM
The Food Safety and Drug Administration said Food Safety Officers were conducting inspections and enforcement operations to enforce the order.
Synopsis: Karnataka has banned the manufacture, storage, distribution, transport and sale of gutkha, pan masala, and other products containing tobacco or nicotine for one year. The Food Safety and Drug Administration said that inspections were under way to enforce the ban and urged the public to report violations.
The Karnataka Government has prohibited the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation and sale of gutkha, pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine, and other products containing tobacco or nicotine across the State for one year.
Products packaged separately but sold or distributed in a manner that facilitates their mixing by consumers are also prohibited.
The order, dated 15 June, was issued by the Commissioner of Food Safety under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, read with Regulation 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011. The prohibition will remain in force for one year from the date of notification.
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It covers “Gutkha and Pan Masala containing tobacco and/or nicotine” and any other products marketed separately that contain tobacco or nicotine in the final product, irrespective of the name under which they are sold.
Products packaged separately but sold or distributed in a manner that facilitates their mixing by consumers are also prohibited. The ban also applies to packaged and unpackaged products, including gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco and nicotine packed in sachets, pouches, packages or containers.
The Food Safety and Drug Administration said Food Safety Officers were conducting inspections and enforcement operations to enforce the order and urged the public to inform the authorities about violations.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
