The Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department has suspended the food licences of Amazon, Instamart and BigBasket for allegedly selling poisonous datura fruits and seeds on their platforms.
The action follows complaints against the e-commerce platforms over the sale and listing of datura products, which can pose a serious risk to human life if consumed. The department had previously ordered an inquiry into the matter.
During the investigation, authorities found that datura fruits and seeds were being delivered to customers, with FSSAI licence or registration numbers printed on the packages despite the products being toxic and potentially dangerous.
Representatives of the three companies appeared before the authority. According to the order, Amazon did not submit a response, while Instamart sought additional time to provide documents regarding the action it had taken. BigBasket agreed to stop the online sale of datura fruits and said it would correct the labelling to clearly state that the products are “not for human consumption.”
However, the regulator found the responses and explanations unsatisfactory and said the storage, sale and distribution of such products as food were impermissible.
The food licences issued to Amazon, Instamart and BigBasket have been temporarily suspended pending further responses from the companies.
The order also directs the concerned food business operators to immediately remove or suspend all online listings and advertisements related to datura fruits and seeds and clearly mention that the products are “not for human consumption.”