Amazon, Instamart, BigBasket Lose Food Licences Over 'Datura' Sales In Karnataka
Karnataka authorities have suspended the food licenses of Amazon, Instamart, and BigBasket for selling poisonous datura seeds and fruits. The regulator deemed the companies' responses unsatisfactory, noting that selling toxic items as food poses a severe public health risk.
Why it matters
This action signals a stricter regulatory environment for quick-commerce platforms regarding product safety and compliance with food standards.
In a major move against quick commerce apps, the Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department suspended the food licences of Amazon, Instamart and BigBasket for selling poisonous datura (dhatura) fruits and seeds on their platforms for human consumption.The authority had earlier ordered an inquiry into the sale of datura products, as well as their online listing on these platforms.The action comes on basis of complaints against the quick commerce giants selling the poisonous products.In its investigation, the department found that datura fruits and seeds were being displayed for sale on various e-commerce platforms, in some cases with FSSAI licence or registration numbers, despite the products being toxic and posing a serious risk to human health if consumed.Packets containing datura fruits and seeds were found bearing food licence/registration numbers and that the products had been stored in warehouses and offered for sale or distribution through online platforms.Representatives of the companies…
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