Bhubaneswar | RBN News | January 22, 2026

In a decisive public health move, the Odisha Government has imposed a statewide ban on all tobacco and pan masala products, including bidis, cigarettes, gutkha, khaini, zarda and similar substances.

The ban came into effect on January 22, 2026, following the issuance of an official notification by the state Health Department.

Under the new order, the production, packaging, distribution, storage and sale of these products have been completely prohibited across Odisha.Products Covered Under the BanAccording to the notification, the ban applies to all oral (smokeless) tobacco products, irrespective of how they are manufactured, sold or consumed.

The prohibited items include:Gutkha, pan masala, zarda and khaini All flavoured, scented or additive-mixed chewing productsBoth packaged and unpackaged tobacco productsProducts sold separately but intended to be mixed and consumed together Any food item containing tobacco or nicotine, regardless of its name or branding Officials clarified that the ban is comprehensive and covers all forms of oral tobacco use in the state.

Why the Ban Was ImposedThe Health Department stated that smokeless tobacco products such as gutkha, khaini and zarda are among the leading causes of cancer, particularly oral, throat, stomach, kidney and lung cancers. Other products like pan, supari and dhuaan patta were also flagged as harmful to public health.

Health authorities cited findings from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), both of which classify these products as carcinogenic.A key concern highlighted by the government is that over 42% of adults in Odisha consume smokeless tobacco, a figure nearly double the national average.

Officials warned that children and young people are especially vulnerable, as early exposure often leads to addiction and long-term oral health issues.

Backed by Supreme Court and FSSAI Guidelines

The decision aligns with Supreme Court directives and regulations issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The Health and Family Welfare Department confirmed that the notification has strong legal backing, ensuring stricter enforcement.This ban covers all oral tobacco products and is reinforced by Supreme Court rulings, making it legally robust,” a senior official said.

Towards a Tobacco-Free OdishaThe Odisha government has appealed to citizens, traders and manufacturers to strictly comply with the new rules and support the vision of a tobacco-free Odisha.

Authorities said the move is a major step toward reducing cancer cases and other tobacco-related diseases in the state.

Public awareness campaigns and enforcement drives are expected to follow to ensure effective implementation of the ban.

RBN News will continue to track developments related to public health policy and enforcement across the country.