📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Krishna Chaitanya Velaga
Politics
Karnataka to Ban Pan Masala and Gutka if Intoxicants Detected
✍️ The News Mill
🗓 18 Jul 2026, 06:04 PM
👁 3
The Karnataka government has announced that it will prohibit the sale of pan masala and gutka if any intoxicant traces are found in the products.
In a move aimed at curbing the consumption of harmful chewing products, the Karnataka government has announced a new regulatory measure that will ban the sale of pan masala and gutka whenever intoxicant residues are detected in the items.
Under the proposed rule, manufacturers and vendors will be required to submit samples for laboratory testing. If any trace of alcohol or other intoxicants is found, the products will be prohibited from being sold in the state.
The decision follows growing concerns over the health risks associated with pan masala and gutka, which have been linked to oral cancers and other serious conditions.
Officials say the ban will be enforced through regular inspections and penalties for non‑compliance, with the aim of protecting public health and reducing the prevalence of these products.
Under the proposed rule, manufacturers and vendors will be required to submit samples for laboratory testing. If any trace of alcohol or other intoxicants is found, the products will be prohibited from being sold in the state.
The decision follows growing concerns over the health risks associated with pan masala and gutka, which have been linked to oral cancers and other serious conditions.
Officials say the ban will be enforced through regular inspections and penalties for non‑compliance, with the aim of protecting public health and reducing the prevalence of these products.