In a strong move to protect people’s health, the Odisha government has put a full stop on all food items with tobacco or nicotine. On January 21, 2026, the Health and Family Welfare Department sent out a notice that bans making, selling, or moving these products across the state. This includes things like gutkha, pan masala mixed with tobacco or nicotine, zarda, and khaini. The new rule fixes problems from an old ban in 2013 and follows orders from the Supreme Court and rules from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Many people are calling this a big win for public health because these products cause mouth cancer and other bad diseases, especially in young people. But the ban only covers chewable food items, not things like cigarettes or beedi that you smoke. Some worry about how well it will be followed, as underground sales happen in other states. This article looks deep into the ban, why it happened, what it means, and more.

The New Ban: What It Covers

The Odisha government has made it clear that no one can make, pack, store, carry, sell, or give out any food product that has tobacco or nicotine in it. This is under Rule 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, which is part of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The notice says this ban is to keep people safe, mainly kids and young folks who get hooked on these items easily.

Products like gutkha, which is a mix of tobacco, betel nut, and flavors, are now fully off-limits. Pan masala that has tobacco or nicotine added is also banned. Zarda, a type of chewing tobacco with scents, and khaini, which is tobacco mixed with lime, are included too. Even if these are sold in separate packs that people mix later, it’s not allowed anymore. The old 2013 ban had some gaps, like allowing separate sales of ingredients. But now, those gaps are closed. The government wants the same rules everywhere in Odisha, from big cities like Bhubaneswar to small villages.

This ban does not touch smoking items like cigarettes or beedi. Those are still legal to sell and use, but they come under other laws like the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. The focus here is on food items that people chew or eat, which are seen as more sneaky because they look like normal snacks but have harmful stuff inside.

Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling said in a statement, “This is a key step to stop diseases caused by tobacco. We have seen too many cases of mouth cancer in our state, and it’s time to act hard.” His words show how serious the government is about this issue.

Why the Ban Now? Background and Reasons

Odisha first tried to ban gutkha and similar items back in 2013. But that rule was not strong enough. Sellers found ways around it, like selling tobacco and pan masala in different packets so people could mix them at home. Courts and health groups pointed this out, and the Supreme Court of India gave clear orders to states to fix these problems.

The Supreme Court has said many times that tobacco in food is dangerous and must be stopped. In one case, the court told governments to follow FSSAI rules strictly. FSSAI says no food can have tobacco or nicotine as an ingredient because it’s not safe to eat. These products are linked to big health problems like cancer of the mouth, throat, and lungs. In India, over 1.3 lakh people die every year from mouth cancer, and many of them used chewable tobacco.

In Odisha, the problem is big. Reports from the state health department show that many young people start using these products because they are cheap and easy to get. A study by the Regional Medical Research Centre in Bhubaneswar found that about 20% of teens in Odisha have tried gutkha or khaini. This leads to addiction and health issues later. The ban aims to cut this down and save lives.

Also, the FSSAI has been pushing states to ban these items. Other states like Maharashtra, Bihar, and Jharkhand have similar rules. Odisha’s new notice follows these examples and makes the ban tighter. Public health experts are happy. Dr. Sunil Rout, a cancer doctor in Cuttack, said, “This will help a lot. We see patients every day who started with gutkha as kids. Banning it is the best way to stop this.”

The timing is also right because of growing awareness. Online talks and social media have shown support for the ban. Many people on X (formerly Twitter) praised it as a “public health win,” but some asked about how it will be checked.

Impact on Health and Society

This ban could change things for the better in Odisha. Health wise, it should lower cases of oral cancer, which is common here. The state has high rates of tobacco use, and chewable products are a big part. By stopping them, fewer people will get sick, and hospitals will have less load.

For society, it’s good for youth. Schools and colleges can now teach about the dangers without these items being sold nearby. Parents are relieved. One mother in Puri said, “My son used to buy khaini from shops. Now, hopefully, it’s gone.” It also helps women, as some use these products too.

But there are downsides. Sellers who depend on these items might lose money. The tobacco market in Odisha brings in about Rs 1,047 crore in taxes yearly, but the ban is only on food items, so cigarette taxes stay. Still, small shops could suffer. The government might need to help them switch to other goods.

Underground sales are a worry. In states like Bihar, banned items still come from neighbors. Odisha shares borders with Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, where rules might differ. Police and food inspectors will need to watch borders closely.

Overall, the good outweighs the bad. The World Health Organization (WHO) says bans like this cut tobacco use by 20-30% in a few years. Odisha could see that.

Enforcement: How Will It Work?

Making the ban stick is key. The Health Department will work with police, food safety officers, and local groups. Raids on shops and factories will happen. Anyone caught breaking the rule can face fines or jail under the Food Safety Act.

In the past, the 2013 ban had weak checks, so items were still sold. Now, the notice says it will be uniform across districts. District collectors will lead teams to inspect markets. Public can report violations through helplines.

Challenges include fake products or smuggling. Experts say training officers and using tech like apps for reporting can help. Also, awareness campaigns are needed. The government plans TV ads, school talks, and posters to tell people why the ban is there.

A police officer in Bhubaneswar said, “We are ready. We have seized gutkha before, and now it’s stricter.” But some doubt if it will last, as corruption or lack of staff could hurt it.

Reactions from People and Experts

Many welcome the ban. Online, it’s trending with positive posts. On X, users say it’s a “brave step” by the BJP government. Health groups like the Cancer Foundation of Odisha called it “long overdue.”

But tobacco sellers are upset. A shop owner in Sambalpur said, “This is our livelihood. What will we do?” They want time to clear old stock.

Experts mixed. Some say include cigarettes too for full effect. Dr. Amit Sengupta from a Delhi health NGO said, “Good start, but smoking kills more. Why leave that?”

Government officials defend it. Commissioner of Food Safety Archana Patnaik said, “We follow FSSAI, which covers food. Smoking is under other laws.” She added that the ban will save many lives.

What About Other States?

Odisha is not alone. Maharashtra banned gutkha in 2012, Bihar in 2014, and Jharkhand recently too. These states saw less use, but enforcement varies. In Maharashtra, court cases helped strengthen it.

India wide, tobacco kills over 1 million yearly. The government wants to cut it under the National Health Policy. If Odisha succeeds, others might follow.

The Road Ahead

The ban starts now, but success depends on action. The government must watch, educate, and help affected people. In a year, we might see less cancer cases.

This is part of bigger health plans in Odisha, like more cancer hospitals and anti-tobacco drives. It shows the state cares about health over money from tobacco.

FAQs

What products are banned in Odisha?

The ban covers all food items with tobacco or nicotine, like gutkha, pan masala with tobacco, zarda, and khaini. It includes packed or loose items, and even separate packs for mixing. But cigarettes and beedi are not banned, as they are not food.

When did the ban start?

It started on January 21, 2026, right after the Health Department notice.

Why is this ban different from 2013?

The 2013 ban had holes, like allowing separate sales. Now, it’s closed, and rules are the same everywhere in Odisha. It follows Supreme Court and FSSAI strictly.

What happens if someone breaks the rule?

They can face fines, jail, or both under the Food Safety Act. Police and food officers will check and seize items.

Does this ban include smoking products?

No, only chewable food items. Smoking like cigarettes is under COTPA, with rules on packs and ads.

How will it help health?

It will cut oral cancer, as these products cause it. Young people will be safer from addiction. WHO says such bans lower tobacco use.

What about sellers’ loss?

The government might help them sell other things. But health comes first.

Can these items come from other states?

Smuggling is illegal. Borders will be checked, but it’s a challenge.

Is there a helpline to report?

Yes, contact local health offices or police. More details will come soon.

Will prices of other tobacco rise?

Maybe, as demand shifts, but the ban aims to reduce all use over time.