Telangana bans gutka and pan masala containing tobacco, nicotine for a year

The production, distribution, sale, and transportation of gutka and pan masala which include tobacco and nicotine are prohibited for a year in Telangana, effective immediately.

A notification has been issued by Telangana's Commissioner of Food Safety, outlawing the production, storage, distribution, transportation, and sale of tobacco- and nicotine-containing products such as pan masala and gutka. According to the department, the order will be in place for one year, beginning Friday, May 24.

The prohibition is enforcedin accordance with section 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction of Sales) Regulation 2011, and clause (a) of sub-section (2) of section 30 of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.

“In exercise of the powers conferred under clause (a) of Subsection (2) of Section 30 of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 read with 2.3.4 of Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulation 2011 and in the interest of public health, Commissioner of Food Safety, Telangana State hereby prohibits the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation and sale of Gutkha / Pan masala which contains tobacco and nicotine as an ingredient which is packed in sachets/pouches/package/containers etc., or by whatever name it is called in the entire State of Telangana for a period of one year with effect from 24th May 2024,” the statement read.

Smokeless tobacco and nicotine products like pan masala and gutka are harmful and can have negative effects on one's health.

Gutka and pan masala consumption has been related to oral cancer, submucous fibrosis, and other health issues. Tobacco usage was responsible for 55% of cancer cases in Varanasi, India.

In India, the percentage of people who use smokeless tobacco is 21.4% (199.4 million), whereas the percentage of adults who use smoking tobacco is 10.7% (99.5 million). The Lancet study found that quit rates are low.

(With inputs from agencies)