Uttarakhand bans gutkha, pan masala and nicotine food products across state for one year

Uttarakhand has imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of gutkha, pan masala and other food products containing tobacco or nicotine. The restriction applies across the state and takes effect through an order issued on October 13, 2026.

Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey of the Food Safety and Drug Administration issued the order under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It refers to Regulation 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011, which prohibits tobacco and nicotine as ingredients in food products.

The order describes these products as a threat to public health. It covers more than ready-made gutkha and pan masala. Products in which tobacco or nicotine is supplied separately and mixed later are also included.

District-level enforcement

Copies of the order have been sent to the Chief Secretary, Health Secretary, all District Magistrates, Chief Medical Officers and food safety officials in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions.

These authorities have been directed to take action under the order. The restriction therefore extends across Uttarakhand’s districts, rather than applying only to selected towns or markets.

The ban affects manufacturers, sellers, distributors and anyone storing the covered products. Consumers may also see changes in the availability of gutkha, pan masala and other food products containing tobacco or nicotine during the one-year period.

Enforcement remains the key test

The order follows earlier restrictions of a similar nature, but the products have continued to be sold openly in shops across the state, according to the reporting accompanying the announcement.

That leaves implementation as the central issue. District administrations, health authorities and food safety officials will be responsible for acting on the prohibition and addressing sales or storage covered by the order.

The India Today, ETV Bharat, NDTV Profit and News Arena India reports published on October 13, 2026, also identified the measure as a one-year Uttarakhand ban on gutkha, pan masala and food products containing tobacco or nicotine. Their reports matched the order’s stated scope and date.

Conclusion

Uttarakhand has prohibited the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of tobacco- or nicotine-containing gutkha, pan masala and other food products for one year. The next verified step is enforcement by the district and food safety authorities named in the order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What products are covered by the Uttarakhand ban?

The ban covers gutkha, pan masala and other food products containing tobacco or nicotine.

Q. How long will the ban remain in force?

The restriction will remain in force for one year.

Q. When was the order issued?

The order was issued on October 13, 2026.

Q. Who issued the order?

Food Safety and Drug Administration Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey issued the order.

Q. Does the ban cover separately sold tobacco or nicotine?

Yes. It also applies where tobacco or nicotine is sold separately and mixed with another product later.

Q. Which law supports the order?

The order was issued under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. It also cites Regulation 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011.

Q. Which authorities received copies of the order?

Copies were sent to the Chief Secretary, Health Secretary, District Magistrates, Chief Medical Officers and food safety officials across Garhwal and Kumaon.