The Congress-led UDF Government in Kerala today announced a ban on the manufacture and sale of gutka and pan masala containing tobacco in the
state with immediate effect.

Announcing the decision at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the ban on gutka and pan masala containing tobacco and nicotine was enforced under the provisions of Food Safety and Standards Regulation Act, 2011.

Kerala is the second state to ban the use of gutka and pan masala after Madhya Pradesh.

The increasing incidence of gutka-induced diseasse like oral cancer had prompted the government to ban the products. He said, the government would strictly enforce the ban and take strong action in case of any violation.