Amazon, Instamart, BigBasket Lose Food Licences Over 'Datura' Sales In Karnataka

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 had appeared before the authority. According to the order, Amazon did not submit a response, while Instamart sought additional time to submit its documents regarding the action it took. BigBasket said in its response that it had stopped the online sale of the fruits, and noted it would correct the labelling to clearly state "Not for human consumption" in the future.

However, the regulator said the responses and explanations were unsatisfactory, and said storing, selling or distributing the products as food was impermissible.

It has directed concerned departments to temporarily suspend, until further orders, the food licences issued to Amazon, Instamart and BigBasket. The suspension may be reversed only after a hearing, given that the platforms submit a response.

The licences and registrations of suppliers and sellers providing products to these online platforms have also been ordered to be suspended with immediate effect

The order further directs the concerned food business operators to immediately remove or suspend all online listings and advertisements offering datura fruits or seeds for food or human consumption.