Bhubaneswar, Jan 22: In compliance with the directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and in the interest of public health, the Odisha government has imposed a complete ban on the production, preparation, packaging, storage, transportation, trade, and sale of gutkha, pan masala, zarda, khaini, and all food products containing tobacco or nicotine across the state.


The prohibition has been enforced under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011, Section 2.3.4.


The step has also been taken in line with guidelines issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).


Officials emphasized that tobacco and nicotine-based products are extremely harmful, causing cancers of the mouth, throat, and internal organs, and pose a serious risk especially to children and youth. The ban has therefore been introduced in the larger interest of public health.


Also read: Warmer Days Ahead As Temp To Rise By 3–4°C: IMD


The Health and Family Welfare Department issued Notification No. 2065 dated January 21, 2026, to enforce the prohibition. The state government has appealed to the public to cooperate in building a healthy and tobacco-free Odisha by adhering to the ban.