The statewide prohibition covers manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of gutka, pan masala and other products containing tobacco and/or nicotine
The Karnataka government has imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of products containing tobacco and/or nicotine across the state, citing public health concerns. The prohibition covers gutka, pan masala and other products containing tobacco and nicotine. However, the government notification does not prohibit the consumption of these products.
The Food Safety Division of the Department of Food Safety and Drugs Administration has initiated enforcement measures against the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of prohibited tobacco and nicotine products.
Food Safety Officers are conducting special inspection and enforcement drives across the state to identify and act against violations of the prohibition.
The department issued the notification on August 10 under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with Regulation 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011.
The prohibition will remain in force across Karnataka for one year from the date of issuance of the notification.
Public Urged To Report Violations
The department has appealed to citizens to report the manufacture, sale or distribution of prohibited tobacco and nicotine products to the concerned authorities. It has also urged the public to cooperate with enforcement efforts aimed at building a “healthy and addiction-free Karnataka”.
The move comes as Karnataka steps up regulatory action against the sale and distribution of tobacco and nicotine-containing products, with enforcement agencies now conducting inspections across the state.
