Bhubaneswar: In a major decision, the State Government has banned intoxicants such as Paan Masala, Gutka, and Khaini across the state. The government has imposed restrictions on these substances. A notification in this regard has been issued by the Department of Health and Family Welfare.
According to the notification, the directives of the Supreme Court will be strictly implemented. Consequently, the production, preparation, and packaging of such intoxicants will be banned, and restrictions will be imposed on their trade, sale, and transportation. The department stated that actions will be taken in accordance with the guidelines set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
The Government of Odisha has taken a firm stance against the consumption of smokeless tobacco products. By invoking the powers under the Food Safety and Standards Act, the Health and Family Welfare Department has officially prohibited the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of Gutka and Paan Masala containing tobacco or nicotine.
The ban is comprehensive and targets the entire supply chain of these products:
- Manufacturing: No factories within the state are permitted to produce these items.
- Packaging: The packaging of these substances for commercial use is prohibited.
- Logistics: Transportation and storage of these goods within the state boundaries are illegal.
- Retail: Small shops, kiosks, and wholesalers are barred from selling these products to consumers.
This decision is grounded in strong legal precedents:
- Supreme Court Directives: The state is acting in strict compliance with orders from the Supreme Court of India, which has previously ruled against the sale of tobacco-laced food products.
- FSSAI Guidelines: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulation (specifically Regulation 2.3.4) prohibits the use of tobacco and nicotine as ingredients in any food product. Since Paan Masala and Gutka are consumed orally, they fall under these food safety regulations.
The primary motivation behind this ban is public health. Odisha, like many other Indian states, faces a high burden of oral cancer and other tobacco-related illnesses.
- Oral Cancer Prevention: Chewing tobacco (Khaini, Gutka) is the leading cause of oral submucous fibrosis and oral cancer in India.
- Youth Protection: These products are often cheap and easily accessible, leading to addiction among the youth. The ban aims to curb this addiction at the source.
While the notification has been issued, the success of this ban depends on enforcement. In the past, manufacturers have tried to circumvent such bans by selling “twin packs”—one sachet containing plain Paan Masala and a separate sachet containing pure tobacco, which the consumer mixes. The strict mention of FSSAI guidelines suggests the government aims to close such loopholes and conduct rigorous raids to ensure compliance.
