TNI Bureau: The Odisha Health Department has clarified that pan masala products which do not contain tobacco or nicotine are not covered under the state government’s ban.

The ban, announced earlier, applies only to food products that contain tobacco or nicotine. This includes the manufacture, processing, packaging, storage, transport, distribution and sale of such items across the state.

The clarification was issued after confusion among traders and consumers over whether all pan masala products were prohibited. Officials said pan masala without tobacco or nicotine can continue to be sold legally.

The ban covers all chewable, flavoured and scented food products containing tobacco or nicotine, including gutkha and similar items, regardless of how they are named, sold or packaged. It also applies where tobacco or nicotine is sold separately but packaged or distributed in a way that allows easy mixing with food products.

Strict action will continue against anyone found violating the ban.