Karnataka Suspends Food Licenses for Amazon, Instamart, BigBasket Over Toxic Datura Listings

Bengaluru, India – Karnataka authorities have suspended the food licenses and registrations of e-commerce platforms Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket. The action follows the discovery of poisonous Datura fruits and seeds being offered for sale for human consumption on these platforms.

The state’s Food Safety and Drug Administration Department issued an order on August 24, directing the three platforms to immediately remove all listings, advertisements, and promotional materials offering Datura, also known as thorn apple, for human consumption.

Officials stated that Datura fruits and seeds possess poisonous properties, and their consumption can lead to severe adverse health effects. The sale, distribution, storage, or display of these products as food is prohibited under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The issue came to light when Datura fruits and seeds were found listed on these online platforms, using food licenses and registrations. Inspections also revealed packages with food license numbers, with products stored in warehouses and sold or distributed via the e-commerce sites.

Amazon did not provide a response to the notice, while Swiggy Instamart requested more time to submit compliance documents. BigBasket stated it had ceased selling Datura and removed the listing, and would clarify product labeling to state it is not for human consumption. The department found the explanations unsatisfactory.

The suspension order, issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, also covers sellers and organizations supplying Datura products through these platforms. The platforms have been directed to submit compliance reports, after which a hearing will determine if the license suspensions will be lifted. This action aligns with increasing regulatory scrutiny of online food sales practices in India.