In parts of the UK, particularly in areas with large South Asian communities, a growing problem has emerged—streets, walls, garbage bins, and public spaces are being defaced by red stains caused by gutka and betel spit, sparking public outrage and widespread criticism on social media.
A viral video recently highlighted the issue in the neighborhoods of Rayners Lane and North Harrow, where residents expressed frustration over the frequent sight of gutka and betel residue. These stains are commonly found outside shops and restaurants known to sell chewing tobacco, betel nut, and related products.
Locals say the origin of this “practice” is no mystery, pointing directly to South Asian countries—most notably India and Pakistan—where gutka and betel chewing are deeply rooted in cultural habits.
Gutka and betel mixtures, widely popular in the subcontinent, are chewable substances that typically contain tobacco, lime, flavorings, and other chemicals. When chewed, they produce a red residue that users often spit onto the streets—creating a distinct and unsightly mess.
This practice, now appearing in parts of London, has led to ridicule and criticism from British social media users. One user sarcastically commented, “Indians don’t stop their habits!”, while another quipped, “Check their teeth before issuing a visa!”
An Indian user on X (formerly Twitter) remarked, “We couldn’t make India into England, so now we’re making England into India!” Many users pointed out that the issue isn’t new.
A long-time resident wrote, “When I arrived in London for work in 2008, I felt like I was back in Delhi when I saw gutka stains on the stairs at Wembley Station.”
While the sale of gutka and chewing tobacco is not entirely banned in the UK, it is tightly regulated and requires proper registration. However, authorities and residents agree that the issue lies less in the sale and more in the careless public consumption and spitting that follows.
The growing visibility of this habit has become a point of tension, raising questions about cultural practices, public hygiene, and the need for better enforcement of cleanliness norms in multicultural urban areas.
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