In a major public health move, the Odisha government has enforced a complete ban on gutkha and all food products containing tobacco or nicotine, aiming to curb the harmful effects of smokeless tobacco consumption across the state.
The prohibition was notified by the Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department on January 21, and is aligned with directions of the Supreme Court of India and guidelines issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The ban is implemented under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011.
What is banned in Odisha?
The notification imposes a total prohibition on:
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Manufacturing, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of gutkha
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Any food product—chewable or otherwise—that contains tobacco or nicotine as an ingredient
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Products that are flavoured, scented, mixed or combined with additives if they contain tobacco or nicotine
This effectively outlaws all edible products infused with tobacco or nicotine, regardless of branding or form.
What is allowed?
The order specifically targets food products containing tobacco or nicotine. Non-food tobacco items are governed by other national and state tobacco control laws and regulations. The latest notification does not introduce permissions for new tobacco products; it reinforces existing restrictions by strictly barring tobacco- or nicotine-laced food items.
Why the ban matters
Health authorities have consistently warned that tobacco and nicotine are strongly linked to oral, throat and internal cancers, along with other severe health conditions. Children and young people are particularly vulnerable to addiction and long-term harm. The state government has stressed that the ban is essential to protect public health and advance a tobacco-free Odisha.
Citizens and businesses have been urged to comply fully with the order and support enforcement efforts to ensure safer food standards across the state.
