Tobacco Ban / Odisha Allows Sale of Tobacco-Free Pan Masala, Restricts Tobacco Products
·2 months ago·2 min read
Key Points
- Odisha government clarified that pan masala products without tobacco or nicotine are not covered under the state's ban on tobacco-related food products.
- The Health Department issued a letter stating the exemption after traders expressed confusion over the earlier prohibition order.
- The ban on gutkha, zarda, khaini and other tobacco/nicotine-containing products remains strictly in force per Supreme Court and FSSAI guidelines.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 30: The Odisha government has clarified that the sale of pan masala products that do not contain tobacco or nicotine will not be banned in the state.
In a letter addressed to the Commissioner of CT & GST and the Finance Department, the Health and Family Welfare Department stated that tobacco- and nicotine-free pan masala does not fall under the scope of the prohibition imposed on tobacco-related food products.
The clarification follows a guideline issued by the Health Department on January 21, which banned the manufacture, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of gutkha, pan masala, zarda, khaini and other tobacco or nicotine-containing products across the state. The move had led to confusion among traders and consumers regarding whether tobacco-free pan masala was also covered under the ban.
In its communication, the Health Department explicitly stated that products not containing tobacco or nicotine are exempt from the restrictions.
“It is clarified that pan masala products without tobacco or nicotine are not covered under the prohibition currently in force,” the department said.
Officials said the clarification was necessary after traders raised concerns over the lack of clarity in the earlier notification. Following the fresh communication, the sale of tobacco-free pan masala will continue legally in Odisha.
The earlier ban was implemented in accordance with Supreme Court directions and guidelines issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), citing the severe health risks posed by tobacco and nicotine consumption, including cancer and other life-threatening diseases, particularly among children and young people.
Also Read: PT Usha's Husband V Srinivasan Passes Away; PM Expresses Condolences
Authorities reiterated that the prohibition on tobacco- and nicotine-containing products remains strictly in force, while non-tobacco pan masala products are permitted for sale.
In a letter addressed to the Commissioner of CT & GST and the Finance Department, the Health and Family Welfare Department stated that tobacco- and nicotine-free pan masala does not fall under the scope of the prohibition imposed on tobacco-related food products.
The clarification follows a guideline issued by the Health Department on January 21, which banned the manufacture, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of gutkha, pan masala, zarda, khaini and other tobacco or nicotine-containing products across the state. The move had led to confusion among traders and consumers regarding whether tobacco-free pan masala was also covered under the ban.
In its communication, the Health Department explicitly stated that products not containing tobacco or nicotine are exempt from the restrictions.
“It is clarified that pan masala products without tobacco or nicotine are not covered under the prohibition currently in force,” the department said.
Officials said the clarification was necessary after traders raised concerns over the lack of clarity in the earlier notification. Following the fresh communication, the sale of tobacco-free pan masala will continue legally in Odisha.
The earlier ban was implemented in accordance with Supreme Court directions and guidelines issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), citing the severe health risks posed by tobacco and nicotine consumption, including cancer and other life-threatening diseases, particularly among children and young people.
Also Read: PT Usha's Husband V Srinivasan Passes Away; PM Expresses Condolences
Authorities reiterated that the prohibition on tobacco- and nicotine-containing products remains strictly in force, while non-tobacco pan masala products are permitted for sale.
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