Srinagar, July 4: The Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu & Kashmir, has imposed a one-year ban on the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of gutkha, tobacco-mixed pan masala and all food products containing tobacco or nicotine across the Union Territory, citing public health concerns.
The order has been issued by the Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, who is also the Commissioner of Food Safety, J&K, under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011. The decision has also been taken in compliance with directions of the Supreme Court of India and advisories issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Government of India.
According to the order, the prohibition applies to gutkha, pan masala containing tobacco or nicotine, and all chewable or flavoured food products containing tobacco and/or nicotine. It also covers products sold separately but intended to be mixed and consumed together. The ban will remain in force across J&K for one year beginning June 2026.
The FDA said the move is aimed at protecting public health, particularly children, adolescents, youth and other vulnerable sections of society from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine consumption.
The Commissioner has directed Designated Officers, Food Safety Officers and enforcement teams across the Union Territory to intensify market surveillance, inspections and enforcement drives. Authorities have been asked to focus particularly on educational institutions, public places, transport hubs, wholesale markets and locations frequented by young consumers.
The Food & Drugs Administration has also appealed to the public, educational institutions, civil society organisations and traders’ associations to support the enforcement drive by reporting violations. Complaints regarding the manufacture, storage, transportation or sale of prohibited products can be lodged through the toll-free number 104, via email at [email protected], or through the FSSAI Consumer Grievance Portal.
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