Karnataka Minister Khader seeks action against Central official over Datura licence suspension delay

Karnataka Minister U T Khader has called for action against a Central food safety official who failed to suspend e-commerce platform licences within 24 hours of the state's request. The state had ordered the suspension of food licences for Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket due to the sale of Datura fruits and seeds, which are poisonous, for human consumption.

Khader highlighted the importance of officials taking prompt action, stating that if they do not, the department may have to take matters into their own hands for the public interest. The Food Safety Department had issued directions after receiving a complaint and discovering Datura being supplied alongside food. Despite the state writing to the Central designated Food Safety Officer in Bengaluru for cancellation of the licences, no action was taken within the 24-hour window.

Khader also expressed concerns about the state seeking changes to the rules to give Karnataka greater enforcement powers over Central-licensed e-commerce companies.