Karnataka Suspends Amazon, Swiggy, BigBasket Food Licenses Over Poisonous Datura Sales

The Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration has suspended the food licenses of major e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket. This decisive action follows the discovery of poisonous Datura fruits and seeds being sold and listed as food items online.

Understanding the Violation

Datura, commonly known as thorn apple, is highly toxic and poses severe health risks if consumed. Authorities found these hazardous products listed under valid FSSAI license or registration numbers on the platforms, necessitating immediate intervention.

The platforms impacted by this suspension include Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket. These companies were found to be facilitating the sale of the toxic Datura products.

Regulatory Directives and Enforcement

All three platforms received directives to immediately remove or suspend existing listings and advertisements for Datura fruits or seeds. They are now prohibited from displaying, selling, or promoting such products in the future.

The suspension of licenses will remain in effect until further orders are issued. Revocation is possible only after the companies submit required compliance reports and are granted a hearing by the authorities.

Beyond the e-commerce platforms, licenses and registrations of implicated suppliers and sellers have also been suspended with immediate effect. Karnataka’s food safety authorities have warned of further actions under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, for any violations.

This crackdown highlights Karnataka’s intensified efforts to monitor and control the sale of unsafe products across online food and grocery platforms, ensuring public health and safety against toxic listings.