BENGALURU: The Office of the Commissioner of Food Safety, Karnataka, has imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation and sale of gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco and/or nicotine across the state, citing public health concerns.The ban has been imposed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011.
Gutkha banned in Karnataka
According to a notification issued by the Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration, Bengaluru, the prohibition covers gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco and/or nicotine.The order also prohibits any other products marketed separately that contain tobacco or nicotine in the final product, regardless of their name or whether they are sold in packaged or unpackaged form.The notification further prohibits products that are packaged as separate products but are sold or distributed in a manner that facilitates mixing them with the consumer.The ban, which came into effect from the date of the notification, will remain in force for one year across Karnataka.The food safety commissioner said the order was issued in the interest of public health.(With inputs from agency)
