Gutkha ban! Odisha prohibits sale and distribution of nicotine-based products

In a major step to curb substance abuse and protect public health, the Odisha government imposed a complete ban on Thursday on the purchase and sale of gutkha and other tobacco-related products. The restriction covers pan masala, zarda, khaini, gutkha, tobacco and all food items containing nicotine.

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The prohibition was announced through a notification issued by the Health Department, Government of Odisha.

Under the new order, the production, preparation, packaging, storage, transportation, trade and sale of all nicotine-infused food products have been prohibited across the State. The decision has been taken in accordance with directions issued by the Supreme Court and guidelines laid down by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Officials said tobacco and nicotine-based products are known to cause serious and life-threatening diseases, prompting the State government to act in the larger interest of public health. The ban aims to reduce health risks, especially among youth, and to discourage the widespread consumption of such harmful substances.

The government has urged traders, vendors and the general public to strictly comply with the new regulations, warning that violations will invite legal action as per existing laws.

“Odisha government has completely banned gutkha, tobacco, and nicotine. From now on, selling or consuming gutkha will be punishable under the law. As for the harm caused by tobacco consumption, according to data, in Asia alone in the year 2025, 389,846 people were identified as cancer patients, while 141,000 people lost their lives,” an official said.

In Khordha district, 47 percent of cancer patients are suffering only from oral cancer. In Odisha, every year, one-third of patients are affected by oral cancer. However, the tobacco restriction appears to be merely for show. While tobacco and gutkha are being sold everywhere, the youth are becoming victims in large numbers, which is very concerning.

Although there is a ban on selling these products within a 100-meter radius of schools and hospitals, the gutkha trade continues openly. The general public has demanded that instead of merely raiding shops, gutkha companies should be completely shut down.