West Bengal extends ban on gutkha and pan masala for another year

Kolkata: The West Bengal government has extended its ban on the manufacture, storage and sale of gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine for another year, citing public health concerns. The renewed prohibition came into effect on November 7, according to a circular issued by the state health and family welfare department.

The order invokes Section 30 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which empowers the Commissioner of Food Safety to restrict the sale of harmful food products in the interest of public health.

The health department reiterated that tobacco and nicotine, key ingredients in gutkha and pan masala, are linked to serious illnesses, including cancers of the mouth, throat and lungs. Officials warned of strict action against violations and confirmed that surveillance operations are already underway across the state.

Departments have been directed to respond swiftly to any reports of banned products being stocked or sold. The government said the measure is part of a broader effort to reduce tobacco use through enforcement and public awareness.

Despite the revenue generated from such products, several states have imposed similar bans prioritising health over commercial interests. West Bengal first introduced restrictions on gutkha and related items in 2019, with an earlier one-year ban dating back to 2013.

(Inputs from IANS)