The Uttarakhand government has imposed a one-year ban on gutkha, pan masala and similar products containing tobacco and nicotine. The order, issued on October 13, 2026, by Food Safety and Drug Administration Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, prohibits the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of these products across the state.
The decision has been taken to protect public health and enforce existing food safety regulations. The restriction will remain in effect for one year from the date of the order.
Why Has Uttarakhand Banned Gutkha and Pan Masala?
According to the order, the use of tobacco and nicotine as ingredients in food products is prohibited under the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011. However, concerns have been raised over the presence of these substances in products such as gutkha and pan masala.
The state government has acted under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, along with the relevant regulations introduced in 2011. The ban applies throughout Uttarakhand and covers the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of the specified products.
Officials Directed to Enforce the Ban
The Food Safety and Drug Administration has circulated the order among senior government officials and administrative authorities. Those informed include the Chief Secretary, the Secretary of the Medical Health and Medical Education Department, the Director General of the Medical Health and Family Welfare Department, district magistrates and chief medical officers.
Divisional and district-level authorities have been instructed to ensure that the restrictions are implemented effectively. The order will also be published in the State Gazette.
The Food Safety Department and district administrations will be responsible for monitoring compliance and taking action in cases of violations.
What Do Food Safety Regulations Say About Tobacco and Nicotine?
Regulation 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011, prohibits the use of tobacco and nicotine as ingredients in food products.
Despite this restriction, these substances have been reported in products such as gutkha and pan masala. The latest order extends the prohibition across all districts of Uttarakhand for a period of one year, with the stated objective of safeguarding public health.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the details provided regarding the government order dated October 13, 2026. Readers should consult official notifications issued by the Uttarakhand government and the relevant food safety authorities for the complete legal provisions, implementation details and any subsequent amendments.