Telangana Bans Gutkha And Pan Masala For One Year

In a significant move to protect public health, the Commissioner of Food Safety has issued a notification prohibiting the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation, and sale of Gutkha and Pan Masala containing tobacco and nicotine across Telangana.

The ban comes into effect immediately and will be in place for one year.

This decision aims to curb the consumption of tobacco and nicotine-laden products, which pose significant health risks to the public. However, it remains to be seen how this new ban will be enforced, considering that previous bans have been overturned by the Supreme Court.

The notification states, "In the interest of public health, the Commissioner of Food Safety, Telangana State, hereby prohibits the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation, and sale of Gutkha and Panmasala which contain tobacco and nicotine as an ingredient. These products, whether packaged in sachets, pouches, packages, containers, or any other form, are banned in the entire State of Telangana for a period of one year, effective from May 24, 2024."