Karnataka Gutkha Ban: Why Has the State Banned Sale and Distribution of Tobacco Products for 1 Year?
The Karnataka government has prohibited the sale and distribution of products containing tobacco and nicotine, including gutkha and pan masala, across the state for one year. The Department of Food Safety and Drugs Administration issued the notification on August 10 under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
The Karnataka government has prohibited the sale and distribution of products containing tobacco and nicotine, including gutkha and pan masala, across the state for one year. The Department of Food Safety and Drugs Administration issued the notification on August 10 under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Notification Issued Under Food Safety Act
The Department of Food Safety and Drugs Administration issued a notification on August 10 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. Karnataka Bans Sale of Junk Food Within 50 Metres of Schools, Issues FSDA Advisory.
"Under the powers conferred by 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, the Department of Food Safety and Drugs Administration has issued a Government Notification dated 10-08-2026," Srinivas K, Commissioner, Department of Food Safety and Drugs Administration, said in a statement.
Enforcement Stepped Up Across State
The department has also intensified enforcement measures against the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of prohibited tobacco and nicotine products, including gutkha and pan masala said reports. Special inspections are being conducted by Food Safety Officers across the state. Karnataka Government Bans ‘Obscene’ Songs and Dances in All Schools; Here’s Why.
Ban To Remain In Force For One Year
The notification will remain in force for one year from the date of issuance. The department said the measures had been taken in the interest of public health.
Public Urged To Report Violations
The department has also appealed to the public to report the manufacture, sale or distribution of prohibited tobacco and nicotine products, including gutkha and pan masala, to the concerned authorities and cooperate with efforts to build a healthy and addiction-free Karnataka.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2026 08:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
