Pan Masala containing nicotine will not be sold in Odisha: Health Minister

In a significant clarification aimed at dispelling confusion surrounding the sale of pan masala in Odisha, Health Minister  Mukesh Mahaling on Saturday stated that pan masala containing nicotine will not be permitted for sale anywhere in the State. The Minister made it clear that only nicotine-free pan masala products will be allowed in the market.

Addressing the debate that surfaced after the complete ban on gutkha, the Health Minister emphasized that the Odisha government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards nicotine-containing products. He categorically stated that the sale, storage, transportation, and distribution of all products containing nicotine are strictly prohibited under existing regulations.

To ensure effective enforcement of the ban, the Minister informed that district-level enforcement teams are being constituted across the State. These teams will conduct regular inspections and raids to identify violations. He further added that enforcement drives at the district level will be intensified in the coming days, and stringent legal action will be taken against those found violating the ban.

While reiterating that gutkha remains completely banned in Odisha, Mahaling clarified that pan masala, as a product category, has not been banned outright. However, its sale is permitted only if the product is entirely free of nicotine or any other harmful substances prohibited by law.

Also Read: Pan masala will not be banned in Odisha, Health Department clarifies

It may be noted that a day earlier, the Odisha government had issued a clarification stating that pan masala would not be banned in the State. This clarification was communicated by the Health and Family Welfare Department through an official letter addressed to the Commissioners of CT & GST and the Finance Department, leading to discussions and public debate.

The latest statement by the Health Minister seeks to put all ambiguity to rest, underlining the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health while ensuring strict compliance with the law.