Odisha
Odisha Imposes Complete Ban on Gutka and Tobacco
- 27 Jan 2026
- 2 min read
Why in News?
The Odisha government has imposed a complete statewide ban on gutkha and all food products containing tobacco or nicotine, covering their manufacture, storage, sale, transport and distribution.
Key Points
- Issuing Authority: Odisha Government through Food Safety and Health Department.
- Legal Basis: The ban is enforced under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- Implemented by Food Safety Officials, Police and Tobacco Control Authorities.
- Exempted Products: Cigarettes and bidis excluded, as they are not classified as food products under the FSS Act.
- Earlier Ban Reference: Odisha first banned gutka in 2013.
- Public Health Objective: To reduce oral cancer, tobacco addiction and smokeless tobacco consumption, especially among youth and vulnerable groups.
- Penalty Provisions: Violations include seizure of products, fines and cancellation of licences under applicable laws.
- Significance: The move marks a comprehensive state-level action against smokeless tobacco, reinforcing preventive healthcare policy beyond central tobacco regulation frameworks.
| Read More: Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 |
