To safeguard public health, the Odisha government has enforced a complete ban on the manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution, and sale of gutkha and all products containing tobacco or nicotine.
The Health and Family Welfare Department issued the prohibition notification on January 21, ensuring strict compliance with directives from the Supreme Court and guidelines of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). As a result, the state’s measures now fully align with national food safety standards.
Furthermore, the ban covers all chewable food products—whether flavoured, scented, mixed, or combined with additives. Authorities are implementing the order under Section 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Importantly, this notification supersedes the earlier order of January 3, 2013, which banned the sale of tobacco products. By revising the order, the government has eliminated ambiguities and ensured consistent enforcement across Odisha.
The government also emphasised the urgency of this measure, calling it essential for promoting a tobacco-free society and protecting citizens—particularly children and youth—from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine. In addition, the notification cited the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) under WHO, which classifies smokeless tobacco products such as zarda, khaini, gutkha, and flavoured chewing tobacco as carcinogenic to humans.
Moreover, these products are not only highly addictive but also strongly linked to cancers of the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, throat (including pharynx and larynx), and kidney. They severely damage oral health as well.
Finally, the government appealed to citizens to comply with the ban and actively contribute to building a healthier, tobacco-free Odisha.
