The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been consistently taking action against manufacturers and sellers of banned food items such as gutkha, pan masala, flavored tobacco, betel nut, kharr, and mawa in the state. In the last seven months alone, goods worth over INR 22 crore have been seized.
From April 1 to October 31, 2025, the FDA took action against 365 shops, and banned items were found in 354 of them. Goods worth INR 22,17,89,914 were confiscated, indicating that illegal sale of prohibited products continues at a large scale.
Due to the harmful effects of gutkha and related products on school students and youth, the FDA is considering invoking the MCOCA Act against those involved in illegal trading. Despite the statewide ban, gutkha continues to be smuggled from other states and is openly sold, including near schools and colleges. Even after repeated raids and criminal proceedings, sellers resume operations within days.
To curb this persistent issue, the government is evaluating the possibility of registering MCOCA cases against key offenders. Minister Narhari Jirwal has indicated that a proposal will be sent to the Law and Justice Department seeking guidance on applying MCOCA. Additionally, efforts will be intensified at the district level to raise awareness about the gutkha ban through various departments.
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