Gandhinagar: The state govt has extended its ban on manufacturing, storing, distributing, and selling gutka and pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine across the state by another year. The extended ban will come into effect from Sep 13 and remain in force until Sep 12, 2027, according to an order issued by the commissioner of food safety.Gujarat has been enforcing a ban on tobacco and nicotine-containing gutka and pan masala since 2012. The latest extension covers such products sold under any name or brand.The order also prohibits the separate sale of ingredients if they are intended to be mixed to prepare gutka or pan masala as a final product. Authorities have warned of strict legal action against those violating the order.Citing research by Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, and HAMER, the food safety department said consumption of gutka and pan masala is carcinogenic and significantly increases the risk of oral cancer. The order also referred to findings of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), according to which 35% of adults in India consume tobacco, with 21% using smokeless tobacco products.The state govt said the extension was aimed at protecting public health and was also based on representations received from various non-governmental organisations. The ban has been renewed continuously since it was first imposed in Gujarat in 2012.
