Bengaluru. The Karnataka government has banned the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation, and sale of gutkha, pan masala, and other related products containing tobacco and nicotine for one year. The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has directed traders to strictly comply with the order.

Prohibition on Separately Packed Gutkha and Pan Masala

The ban is not limited to finished gutkha and pan masala. Products containing tobacco or nicotine for end-use purposes will also be covered. If tobacco and nicotine are sold separately in packaging so that consumers can use them together, the ban will also apply.

Shop and Warehouse Inspections

Following the order, the Food Safety Department has launched a special inspection campaign across the state. Teams are inspecting shops, warehouses, and other locations to check for the availability of banned products. Violators will be prosecuted under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Appeal to the public to report information

The department has appealed to the public to report any sale, manufacture, or distribution of banned products to authorities. The government says this move is aimed at reducing the health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine and moving towards a drug-free Karnataka.