Telangana government banned the sale, production and distribution of tobacco and gutka products
- Telangana government has banned the manufacture, storage, distribution and sale of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco and nicotine for one year.
- The ban has become effective for one year from May 24, 2024.
- The restriction has been imposed for public well-being. The ban is imposed under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.
- Tobacco products can cause oral cancer, oral submucous fibrosis and many other diseases.
- The Pan Shop Owners Association of Telangana has supported the ban and many shops have stopped selling the pan masala.
- Chewing or smokeless tobacco was first banned by Maharashtra in 2002.
