The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has suspended the food licences of leading e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms, including Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket, after toxic Datura seeds and fruits were found being sold online as edible products.
The action was ordered by the Court of the Commissioner and Adjudicating Officer of the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department in Bengaluru. Officials said inspections found Datura products stored in warehouses and being sold with food licence and registration details.
Datura is a highly toxic plant, and consuming its seeds or fruits can pose serious health risks. The authority said storing, distributing or selling the plant as a food product is unlawful.
Platforms Asked To Remove Datura Listings
During the proceedings, the platforms gave different responses to the notices issued by the department. Amazon did not submit a formal reply, while Swiggy Instamart sought additional time but did not provide details of corrective measures.
BigBasket told the authority that it had stopped selling the products and planned to update the packaging with a clear “NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION” warning. However, the adjudicating authority found the responses inadequate and said toxic substances could not be handled or marketed under the framework of a food business.
Invoking the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011, the authority directed the Designated Officer of Central Food Safety, Bengaluru, to immediately suspend the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket pending compliance reports. The suspension can only be reviewed after the platforms submit full compliance and a separate hearing is conducted.
The department has also directed food safety officers to suspend the licences and registrations of third-party suppliers and vendors involved in supplying Datura products to the platforms.
All listings and advertisements related to Datura have been ordered to be permanently removed. Authorities warned that any further violation could lead to stringent legal and penal action under food safety laws.
