K'taka bans sale & distribution of tobacco, nicotine products for 1 year; urges public to build addiction-free state
Bengaluru, Aug 12
The Karnataka Department of Food Safety and Drugs Administration has intensified enforcement against gutkha, pan masala and other products containing tobacco and nicotine, following a government notification prohibiting their sale and distribution across the state for one year, stated the official release by the office of the Commissioner, Food Safety and Drug Administration in Bengaluru.
The department said the notification, issued on August 10, 2026, has been issued in the interest of public health and will remain in force for one year from the date of issuance.
Under the notification, the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco and/or nicotine have been prohibited across Karnataka. The restrictions also cover other products marketed separately but containing tobacco or nicotine in the final product.
Products that are packaged or sold separately in a manner that facilitates their mixing by consumers are also covered under the prohibition, the department said.
The Food Safety Division is conducting special inspection and enforcement operations across the state under the leadership of Food Safety Officers to check the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of prohibited tobacco and nicotine products.
The action has been initiated 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 department said stringent enforcement measures would be undertaken to prevent the circulation of products prohibited under the notification.
The Commissioner of the Department of Food Safety and Drugs Administration appealed to members of the public to inform the authorities if they come across the manufacture, sale or distribution of prohibited tobacco and nicotine products.
The department also sought public cooperation in its efforts to curb the availability of such products and promote a "healthy and addiction-free Karnataka."
"The Department of Food Safety and Drugs Administration appeals to the public to inform the concerned authorities if they come across the manufacture, sale or distribution of prohibited tobacco and nicotine products and to extend their cooperation in building a healthy and addiction-free Karnataka," the statement said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is such a welcome move! My father struggled with tobacco addiction for years and it took a toll on our whole family. The amount of paan shops selling these products without any checks is alarming. I just hope the enforcement is actually strict - too many times we see bans announced but the products still available under the counter. Anyone know where we can report violations?
Good step but honestly, a ban alone won't solve this problem. The real issue is that these products are deeply ingrained in our culture - people offer pan masala to guests, it's considered hospitality. We need more awareness campaigns and education alongside this ban. Also, what about the thousands of small shop owners who depend on selling these products for their livelihood? The government should think about their rehabilitation too.
As someone who has seen the devastating effects of tobacco addiction firsthand - my uncle passed away from oral cancer last year - I fully support this ban. The amount of money spent on treating tobacco-related diseases is enormous. Prevention is definitely better than cure. Hope other states follow Karnataka's example! 💪
This is great in theory, but I'm skeptical about how effective it will be. These products are so easily available - from local kirana stores to street vendors. The enforcement machinery needs to be really strong. Also, what about e-cigarettes and vaping products? The notification mentions nicotine products broadly, so I hope that includes all forms of nicotine delivery systems.
I appreciate the intent behind this ban, but I'm concerned about the practical implementation. I've seen how gutkha is sold even in school areas
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