"Odisha Implements Comprehensive Ban on Gutka and Tobacco-Containing Food Products Sales"

Odisha Government Imposes Complete Ban on Gutka and Tobacco-Containing Food Products

The Odisha government has enforced a comprehensive ban on the manufacturing, storage, distribution, sale, and consumption of gutka, pan masala, and all food items containing tobacco and nicotine. This updated regulation, a modification of the gutka ban in effect since 2013, excludes cigarettes and bidis from the list of prohibited products.

The revised ban aims to eliminate uncertainties, establish legal clarity, and ensure uniform enforcement throughout the state. The order emphasizes that tobacco and nicotine are strictly prohibited as ingredients in any food product, with severe penalties under applicable laws for violations, as stated by the state's health and family welfare department.

The prohibition extends to all tobacco- and nicotine-containing products, encompassing gutka, pan masala, zarda, khaini, and similar items. It also includes flavored or scented food products and chewable items, whether packaged or unpackaged, to prevent evasion of the ban.

Nilakantha Mishra, Odisha's director of public health, highlighted past attempts by traders to circumvent the 2013 ban, prompting the need for the updated regulation. To enforce compliance, various agencies, including police, food safety persoel, and tobacco control staff, will oversee the implementation of the ban, with stringent penal actions for violators.

Any infringement of the ban, such as using tobacco and nicotine in food products, will result in severe consequences, including seizure of goods, license revocation, and legal prosecution under food safety regulations. Special drives will be conducted to curb the illicit sale and circulation of baed items, underlining the government's commitment to public health and safety.

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