Karnataka food safety authorities have ordered the suspension after finding toxic Datura fruits and seeds being sold online as food, directing the platforms to remove all such listings immediately
Karnataka has suspended the food licences and registrations of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket after food safety officials found toxic Datura fruits and seeds being sold online as products meant for human consumption.
The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has ordered the suspension to continue until further orders. It has also directed the platforms to immediately take down all listings and advertisements for Datura and stop its sale and distribution as a food product.
The action followed inspections in which officials found packets of Datura fruits and seeds carrying Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) registration or licence numbers. The products were also found stored in a warehouse and offered for sale through online platforms.
Datura, also known as Dhatura, has toxic properties. Karnataka authorities said its fruits and seeds can pose a serious risk to public health if consumed and cannot legally be sold or distributed as food.
The matter came up before the department’s adjudicating authority on August 24, when representatives of the companies were asked to explain the action taken after receiving notices.
According to the proceedings, Amazon did not submit a response to the notice. Swiggy Instamart sought more time to provide details and documents on the steps it had taken.
More from BusinessBigBasket told the authority that it had stopped selling Datura and changed the way the product was listed. It also said the labelling would be modified to clearly state that the product was “Not for human consumption”.
The department, however, said the explanations and action taken were not satisfactory given the poisonous nature of Datura and the potential danger to consumers.
What did the food safety officials find?
During their inspections, officials found Datura fruits and seeds packed and stored with food registration numbers. Some of these products were being sold or distributed through e-commerce platforms.
The department said this was a serious concern because Datura cannot be treated or marketed as an ordinary food item.
“Considering the poisonous nature of Datura fruits/seeds, it is unlawful to collect, sell or distribute them as a food product,” the order said.
The action has been initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011.
The department has also ordered action against suppliers and sellers who provided the products to the online platforms. Their food licences and registrations have been ordered to be suspended as well.
Listings must be removed immediately
Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket have been directed to stop selling, displaying, promoting or distributing Datura fruits and seeds as food or for human consumption.
The platforms and associated food business operators have also been told not to list or market the products for such use in the future.
Karnataka authorities said a separate order would be issued after compliance reports are submitted and the companies and other parties are given an opportunity to present their arguments.
The department has further asked the competent state or central licensing authorities to take action for cancellation of the registrations of the concerned online organisations or vendors, following the due legal process.
For now, the suspension will remain in place until further orders.
(With inputs from agencies.)
