Bengaluru, August 24: The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration has taken significant action by suspending the food licenses of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket until further notice. This decision follows allegations regarding the online sale of toxic Datura fruits and seeds.
The department discovered that these e-commerce platforms were displaying Datura products for human consumption, despite the fact that the fruits and seeds of Datura are considered severely harmful to health.
A hearing took place on August 24 in the court of the Commissioner of the Food Safety and Drug Administration. During the investigation, it was revealed that packets of Datura products bore FSSAI license or registration numbers and were being stored in warehouses for sale and distribution through online platforms.
The department stated that Datura is a toxic plant, and consumption of its fruits and seeds can have serious adverse effects on human health. Selling, distributing, or promoting such products as food poses a significant risk to public health.
As a result, the relevant e-commerce companies were initially issued notices to halt the sale of Datura products, remove online listings, and provide explanations.
During the hearing, Amazon did not present any response. Swiggy Instamart failed to submit documents related to compliance with the notice and requested additional time. BigBasket confirmed that it had stopped the sale of Datura products upon receiving information about their availability on its platform. The company assured that it would improve product labeling to ensure they are not marked for human consumption in the future. However, the authority did not find the companies’ explanations satisfactory.
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 and related regulations, the authority has issued orders to immediately cease the sale, distribution, and display of Datura fruits and seeds for human consumption. All online listings and advertisements must be removed immediately, and these products should not be displayed as food items on any platform in the future. The food licenses of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket are suspended until further notice.
Additionally, the licenses and registrations of vendors and suppliers providing Datura products on these platforms are to be suspended with immediate effect.
The department has instructed the relevant officials to submit compliance reports promptly. It has also warned that if any violations of the orders are found, further stringent actions will be taken against the concerned parties.
This action by the Karnataka government is viewed as a crucial step in protecting consumer safety and public health.
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