Bengaluru, Aug. 12 -- The Karnataka government has imposed a one-year statewide ban on the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of gutka and pan masala products containing tobacco and nicotine, citing the need to protect public health and promote a tobacco-free society.

The decision comes amid intensified enforcement by the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department against substandard food products and businesses violating safety regulations. The department has been conducting inspections and raids across the state as part of its efforts to strengthen public health safeguards.

The ban came into effect on August 10, following an official notification issued by the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department...