Authorities found poisonous datura fruits and seeds listed as food products on the platforms, with some carrying FSSAI licence numbers.
Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department has suspended the food licences of Amazon, Instamart and BigBasket after investigations found listings and storage of toxic datura fruits and seeds on the platforms.
The action follows complaints and an earlier direction from the state food safety authority to investigate the sale of datura products through quick-commerce and online marketplaces.
Why Karnataka took action
During its investigation, the department found that datura fruits and seeds were being advertised for sale online, despite the plant being toxic and posing serious health risks if consumed.
In some cases, the products were reportedly associated with FSSAI licence or registration numbers. Officials also found evidence of datura fruits and seeds being stored in warehouses and packaged with food-related licence or registration details.
The products were subsequently advertised for sale or distribution through online platforms.
Datura, also known as thorn apple, is a poisonous plant. The Karnataka authorities warned that consuming its fruits or seeds can have serious and potentially life-threatening consequences.
What Amazon, Instamart and BigBasket said
Representatives of the companies appeared before the authority during the proceedings.
Instamart requested additional time to submit documents detailing the action it had taken.
Amazon did not respond to the proceedings, according to the order.
BigBasket said it had stopped selling the products online and would change their labels to state “Not for human consumption.”
The food safety authority, however, considered the responses and explanations inadequate. It said the products could not be stored, sold or distributed as food.
Food licences suspended
Following the investigation, Karnataka authorities temporarily suspended the food licences of Amazon, Instamart and BigBasket until further orders.
The companies must submit their responses before a hearing can be conducted on the matter.
The action also extends to suppliers and sellers associated with the platforms.
Authorities have directed the relevant State and Central Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers to take necessary action, including the immediate suspension of licences and registrations of businesses and dealers supplying the products to the affected online platforms.
Platforms ordered to remove listings
The authorities have also directed the concerned businesses to remove or temporarily suspend online listings and advertisements offering datura fruits and seeds for human consumption.
The department’s action highlights the regulatory challenges facing India’s rapidly expanding quick-commerce sector, where products can move from warehouses to consumers within minutes.
The case also raises questions about how toxic or non-food products are classified, labelled and listed on platforms that operate food-licensed warehouses and delivery networks.
For Karnataka’s food safety authorities, the issue is clear. Products containing poisonous plant material cannot be stored, marketed or distributed as food, regardless of whether they are being sold through a traditional retailer or a digital platform.
Source: Startup Talky
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