The Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration, Tamil Nadu, on June 05, 2026, has extended the prohibition on the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of gutkha, pan masala, flavoured or scented chewable food products, and any other food products containing tobacco and/or nicotine as ingredients for a further period of one year, effective from May 23, 2026.
The following has been stated:
The order has been issued under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, in the interest of public health. The ban covers all food products, whether packaged or unpackaged, sold as a single product or in separate packs designed to facilitate mixing by consumers, that contain tobacco and/or nicotine as ingredients.
The notification reiterates that Regulation 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011, prohibits the use of tobacco and nicotine as ingredients in any food product. The order also cites directions issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and observations of the Supreme Court mandating strict enforcement of the prohibition on gutkha and pan masala containing tobacco and/or nicotine.
The ban has been renewed to ensure continued compliance with food safety regulations and to protect public health from the harmful effects associated with the consumption of tobacco-containing food products.
Please refer to the notification attached below for more details.
[Notification No. VI(1)/315(a)/2026]
