Karnataka Suspends Food Licences of Amazon, Instamart and BigBasket Over Datura Sales
The food safety department found poisonous datura fruits and seeds listed as edible products on online platforms.
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department has suspended the food licences of Amazon, Instamart and BigBasket after allegedly finding poisonous datura fruits and seeds being sold through their platforms as edible products.
The action follows several complaints regarding the online sale of datura, also known as dhatura. The department had ordered an investigation into the listings and the manner in which the products were being marketed.
During the inquiry, officials found datura fruits and seeds listed for sale on multiple online platforms. In some cases, the products reportedly carried FSSAI licence or registration numbers despite being toxic and potentially dangerous if consumed.
Officials also found packets of datura fruits and seeds bearing food licence or registration details. The products had reportedly been stored in warehouses before being offered for sale or distribution through online platforms.
Before suspending the licences, the department sought explanations from the companies.
According to the department’s order, Amazon did not submit a response. Instamart requested additional time to provide details of the action it had taken.
BigBasket told the authorities that it had stopped selling the products online. The company also said it would ensure that future labelling clearly states that the products are “Not for human consumption.”
The food safety department, however, found the responses and explanations unsatisfactory. It said storing, selling or distributing datura as food was not permissible.
The department has directed the concerned authorities to keep the food licences suspended until further orders. The suspensions can be reconsidered after the companies are given an opportunity for a hearing and submit their responses.
Karnataka steps up food safety inspections
The action against the online platforms comes as Karnataka intensifies inspections over food safety violations across the state.
In recent weeks, authorities have inspected more than 2,000 eateries and reportedly seized large quantities of expired or mould affected meat, fish and vegetables from establishments ranging from major hotels to local eateries.
Officials also raided a Hyperpure by Zomato warehouse, where they reportedly found unlicensed poultry, suppliers without required licences, incorrectly labelled food products and imported items that were not adequately refrigerated.
Food safety teams have also inspected 960 student hostels as part of the statewide campaign.
The government canteen at Arogya Soudha, the headquarters of the Health Department, was also issued a notice after officials found expired ingredients being used.
The department has additionally tested food samples for artificial colourants linked to health concerns. Nine shawarma samples and one kebab sample were declared unsafe following testing.
In another notable case, Bengaluru’s Empire Hotel faced legal action after several kebab samples failed laboratory tests.
The latest action against Amazon, Instamart and BigBasket signals that the food safety drive is also extending to online platforms involved in the storage, listing and distribution of food related products.