Karnataka has prohibited the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation and sale of gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco and/or nicotine across the state for one year, citing public health concerns. Want to know more about it? Read on.
Karnataka Bans Pan Masala For One Year
As per a report by India Today, the pan-masala ban was imposed through a notification dated June 15, 2026, by the Commissioner of Food Safety, Karnataka State.
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The notification was issued under clause (a) of Sub-section (2) of Section 30 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, read with Regulation 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011. The order prohibits gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco and/or nicotine.
Restriction Applies To Packaged Or Unpackaged Products
It also covers any other products sold separately that contain tobacco or nicotine in the final product, regardless of their name. The restriction applies whether such products are packaged or unpackaged and whether they are sold as one product or as separate products packaged in a manner that easily facilitates mixing by the consumer.
The notification specifically includes gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco and nicotine as an ingredient and packed in sachets, pouches, packages or containers, or under any other name.
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The notification was issued by the Commissioner, Food Safety and Drug Administration, Bengaluru.
What are your thoughts about this?
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FAQs
What is pan masala made of?
Pan masala is a commercial commercial mouth freshener and stimulant made primarily from crushed areca nut (supari), slaked lime (chuna), and catechu (katha).
Is pan masala a gutka?
No, pan masala is not the same as gutka, though they are closely related.
Why is pan masala not banned in India?
Pan masala without tobacco is legal at the national level in India because federal food safety laws only ban tobacco and nicotine as ingredients in food items.
