# Karnataka bans gutkha, tobacco pan masala for one year

2026-08-13T00:52:35+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

Karnataka has imposed a statewide one-year ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution, transportation, and sale of gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine. The order, issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, takes effect immediately, according to the Office of the Commissioner of Food Safety. The ban covers all products with tobacco or nicotine, regardless of branding or packaging, and includes items sold separately that encourage mixing by consumers. Two sources give different dates for the notification: thefederal.com reports June 15, 2026, while assamtribune.com says August 10, 2026. The department is conducting special inspections and has asked the public to report violations.

## Coverage

- thefederal.com <https://thefederal.com/category/states/south/karnataka/karnataka-imposes-one-year-ban-on-gutkha-and-tobacco-based-pan-masala-253307>
- assamtribune.com <https://assamtribune.com/health-and-fitness/karnataka-bans-tobacco-nicotine-product-sale-distribution-for-1-year-1615545>

Tags: food safety, gutkha ban, Karnataka, Pan masala, public health, tobacco
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