The Food Safety and Drug Administration Department of the Karnataka Health Department has suspended the food licenses of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket with immediate effect over the online sale of poisonous Datura fruits and seeds.

The department had ordered an investigation into the online listing and sale of Dhatura products on these e-commerce platforms. During investigation, it was revealed that in some cases Dhatura fruits and seeds were being displayed for sale as food products without FSSAI license or registration number.

According to the department, Dhatura is poisonous and its consumption can pose a serious threat to human health. No reply was filed by Amazon during the hearing. Whereas Swiggy Instamart asked for additional time to submit the documents to the action on the notice. BigBasket said that it has stopped the sale of Datura fruits and in future the label will clearly say “NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION”.

However, the Food Safety Authority did not consider these explanations and replies satisfactory. During inspection, packets of Dhatura fruits and seeds were found on which food license/registration numbers were written. These products were stored in warehouses and available for sale or delivery through online platforms.

The authority said that given the poisonous nature of Dhatura and the potential risk it poses to people's health, it is not acceptable to possess, sell or distribute it as a food item. The order directs all concerned food business operators to immediately remove or suspend all online listings and advertisements selling Datura fruits or seeds for human consumption.

Along with this, instructions have been given to temporarily suspend the food licenses of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket till further orders. Companies will also have to file compliance reports soon. Restoration of the license will be considered only after a separate hearing and order.

Instructions have also been given to the concerned authorities to suspend the licenses and registrations of the suppliers and sellers providing Datura products to these platforms with immediate effect. The department has warned that if the order is violated, further action will be taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and rules.