Karnataka Suspends Amazon, Instamart, BigBasket Food Licences Over Toxic Datura Listings

The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has suspended the licenses of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket after detecting poisonous Datura fruits and seeds being sold on their platforms for human consumption. The department directed the three platforms to immediately remove all listings and advertisements promoting Datura as food or for human consumption.

Datura fruits and seeds are known for their toxic properties, and their consumption can lead to severe health issues. The issue was brought to the department's attention after officials found Datura products listed for sale on the platforms. During inspections, officials discovered packages with food licence numbers in warehouses, indicating that the products were being sold through ecommerce platforms.

Amazon did not respond to the department's notice, while Swiggy Instamart requested more time to comply. BigBasket stated that it had ceased selling Datura and would revise its labeling to indicate that the products are not intended for human consumption. However, the department found the platforms' responses unsatisfactory and ordered the suspension of their food licences.

The platforms are required to submit compliance reports, and a separate hearing will be held to determine whether the suspensions should be lifted. Any violation of the order could result in further legal action.