Karnataka suspends Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket food licences over Datura sale

The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has suspended the food licences of e-commerce platforms Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket until further orders. The action follows the discovery that poisonous Datura fruits and seeds were being sold online as food products.

Food Safety Commissioner K. Srinivas issued an order directing the three platforms to immediately remove all listings and advertisements for Datura, also known as Dhatura, and to cease selling or distributing the product for human consumption. The directive came after inspections conducted by food safety officials.

During the inspections, officials found packets of Datura fruits and seeds carrying Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) registration or licence numbers. The products were stored in a warehouse and listed for sale through the online platforms. Officials noted that Datura is poisonous and that its sale or distribution as a food item poses a serious public health risk.

Datura, commonly called Dhatura in India, is a plant known for its toxic properties. Consumption of its fruits or seeds can lead to severe poisoning, with symptoms ranging from delirium and hallucinations to respiratory failure. The plant has no recognised use as a food product in standard dietary practices.

The department initiated action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011. The law prohibits the collection, sale, or distribution of Datura fruits or seeds as food, given their toxic nature.

Representatives of the three companies appeared before the adjudicating authority on Monday. According to the Commissioner’s order, Amazon did not submit a response to the notice. Swiggy Instamart requested additional time to submit documents detailing actions taken after receiving the department’s notice. BigBasket stated that it had stopped selling Datura and had modified the product listing to clearly label it as 'not for human consumption.'

The department, however, found these responses unsatisfactory. It cited the poisonous nature of Datura and the potential risk to public health as reasons for continuing the suspension. The companies have been directed not to sell, distribute, advertise, or display Datura fruits or seeds as food or for human consumption in the future.

The action extends beyond the platforms. Food safety authorities have suspended the licences and registrations of suppliers and sellers who provided Datura products to the e-commerce platforms. The department has also directed the relevant state or central licensing authorities to initiate cancellation proceedings against the organisations or vendors concerned, subject to due legal process.

The department stated that separate orders would be issued after compliance reports are received and the parties concerned are given an opportunity to present their arguments. Failure to comply with the directives could invite further action under applicable laws.

The suspension of licences for major platforms highlights the growing scrutiny of food safety compliance in the digital marketplace. Authorities are increasingly focusing on ensuring that online sellers adhere to the same safety standards that apply to physical food outlets.