Clarifying that gutka is a food product, the health ministry will soon issue instructions to the states against allowing use of tobacco-laced gutka or pan masala.

“It has now been established beyond doubt that gutka is a food product and falls under the Prevention of Food Adultration Law. The Supreme Court ruled in a recent order that gutka be treated as a food item. That being the case, its adulteration is violative of laws. Tobacco, which is an injurious substance, cannot be used in gutka,” Keshav Desiraju, additional secretary, health, said.
He said although the Supreme Court has made things clear, the health ministry will, for the sake of clarification, issue relevant instructions to state governments soon.
The ministry has also asked the the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to make relevant amendments in the prevention of food adultration law.
While, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India had earlier viewed that gutka with tobacco should be banned, the health ministry had suggested that it should instead be regulated.
To get final opinion, the ministry had even approached the law ministry on the issue.