The Uttarakhand government has taken a key decision with the aim of protecting public health. It has imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of gutka, pan masala, tobacco and other food products containing nicotine across the state. These restrictions have come into effect from October 13, 2026. The government has clarified that these orders will apply to banned products regardless of the name under which they are sold. Uttarakhand Food Safety and Drug Administration Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey issued an order to this effect on Tuesday. The order stated that this decision was taken by exercising the powers conferred on it under Section 26, Section 92 and Section 30(2) of the Food Safety and Standards Act-2006.
Banned several times in the past
This is not the first time that products like gutka and pan masala have been banned in Uttarakhand. The government had imposed restrictions on these products in 2013 itself. After that, similar orders were issued in 2015 and 2019 and the ban was continued. However, as the use of these products continued, the government took strict action again.
Consumption continues despite the law
As per rule 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sale) Rules, 2011, the use of tobacco and nicotine as ingredients in food products is prohibited. However, officials have found that their use continues in products like gutka and pan masala. With the latest orders, restrictions will come into effect on all stages of the banned products in the state, from manufacturing to sales. The government believes that the main objective of this decision is to protect public health and curb the use of products containing tobacco and nicotine.
