Odisha Gutkha Ban 2026: Statewide Prohibition on Pan Masala and Tobacco Products
Bhubaneswar, Jan 21: In a landmark move to safeguard public health, the Odisha government has announced a comprehensive ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of gutkha, pan masala, zarda, khaini, and all food products containing tobacco or nicotine.
The Health and Family Welfare Department issued Notification No. 2065 on January 21, 2026, enforcing the prohibition under Regulation 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, framed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Officials emphasised that tobacco and nicotine consumption are directly linked to oral cancer, throat cancer, and other life‑threatening diseases, with children and youth being particularly vulnerable.
The ban follows directives from the Supreme Court and guidelines from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The government has urged citizens to cooperate in building a tobacco‑free Odisha, stressing that compliance will help protect future generations from the devastating effects of addiction and disease.
