The Karnataka government has prohibited the sale and distribution of gutka, pan masala, and other products containing tobacco or nicotine across the State for one year. With this, the Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department has stepped up enforcement against their manufacture, storage, transportation, and sale.

Karnataka had banned the manufacture and sale of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine in 2013 under U.T. Khader’s previous tenure as Health Minister. The latest prohibition has been issued afresh 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.

The government notification, issued on Monday, will remain in force throughout Karnataka for one year from the date of its issuance.

The prohibition covers gutka and pan masala containing tobacco and/or nicotine, as well as any other product sold separately but containing tobacco or nicotine in its final form, irrespective of the name under which it is marketed or sold.

It applies to both packaged and unpackaged products. Products that are packed separately but sold or distributed in a manner that enables consumers to mix them easily are also covered.

The notification specifically includes gutka and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine sold in sachets, pouches, packages, or containers as well as products marketed under any other name.

The Food Safety Division of the Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration has launched special inspection and enforcement drives against prohibited tobacco and nicotine products. Food Safety Officers have been directed to check the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of gutka, pan masala, and other products containing tobacco and/or nicotine.

Food Safety Commissioner Srinivas K. said the fresh notification was issued to bring the prohibition in conformity with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act.

“Earlier, the department had issued a permanent prohibition. Since it was not in conformity with the Act, this fresh order has been issued,” he said.

Under Section 30(2)(a) of the Act, the Food Safety Commissioner has the power to prohibit the manufacture, storage, distribution or sale of food articles in the interest of public health.

The department has appealed to the public to inform the authorities if they come across the manufacture, sale or distribution of prohibited tobacco and nicotine products. It has also sought public cooperation in enforcing the prohibition and in the government’s efforts to build a healthier, addiction-free Karnataka.