Odisha Imposes Complete Ban on Gutka and Tobacco | 27 Jan 2026

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.