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Karnataka government has imposed a one-year ban on gutkha (Img: X)
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has imposed a one-year ban on gutkha and pan masala products containing tobacco or nicotine across the state. The order prohibits the manufacturing, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of these products.
The decision has been taken citing public health concerns, with authorities aiming to curb the consumption of tobacco and nicotine-based products in the state.
According to the notification issued on August 10, 2026, by the Office of the Commissioner of Food Safety, Karnataka, the restriction applies to all activities linked to gutkha and tobacco-based pan masala.
The ban includes manufacturing units, warehouses, transport networks, distributors and retailers selling these products. The prohibition will remain effective for a period of one year from the date of the notification.
Following the government order, the Food Safety and Drugs Administration has intensified inspections across Karnataka to ensure compliance.
Officials are checking markets, storage facilities and supply points to identify any violation of the ban. The authorities have been instructed to monitor the movement of prohibited products and take action against those involved in their illegal sale or distribution.
The Karnataka government has stated that the decision was taken keeping public health in mind. Tobacco and nicotine-based products have been linked to several serious health risks, including oral diseases and other tobacco-related illnesses.
The one-year restriction is aimed at reducing the availability and consumption of such products across the state.
With this order, Karnataka has joined several states that have introduced restrictions on gutkha and tobacco-based pan masala products.
The latest notification focuses specifically on products containing tobacco and nicotine, while authorities continue to monitor compliance across the state.
