The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has suspended the food licences and registrations of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket. The action follows the discovery that these platforms were selling toxic Datura fruits and seeds for human consumption using FSSAI registration numbers.
During a hearing on August 24, the department deemed the responses from the companies unsatisfactory, citing the severe public health risks associated with the poisonous plant. While BigBasket claimed it had halted sales and updated its labelling, officials maintained that the distribution of Datura as a food product is unlawful under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
The department has ordered the platforms to immediately remove all listings and promotions for Datura. Furthermore, authorities have initiated action against the suppliers and vendors involved, with directives issued to state and central licensing bodies to pursue the cancellation of registrations for the concerned organizations.
