Suspension Order
The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has suspended the food licences and registrations of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket, following the discovery of toxic Datura seeds and fruits being sold online for human consumption. The order was issued by the Court of the Commissioner and Adjudicating Officer of the department in Bengaluru, as reported by Times Now.
The department also directed the immediate removal of all Datura listings and advertisements from the platforms, and ordered food safety officers to suspend the licences of third-party suppliers and vendors involved in supplying Datura products through these channels.
Inspections and Findings
According to the department's proceedings, inspections by food safety officials found Datura fruits and seeds being sold through the e-commerce platforms with food registration or licence numbers attached. Datura, a plant known for its toxic properties, can cause serious health risks if consumed, the authorities said.
The suspension was ordered under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011. The order, issued by the Court of the Commissioner and Adjudicating Officer of the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department in Bengaluru, stated that it is unlawful to sell or distribute Datura as a food product.
Platform Responses
During proceedings held on a recent date, the platforms submitted their responses. According to the order, Amazon did not submit a formal reply, while Swiggy Instamart requested additional time but did not provide details of corrective measures. BigBasket informed the authority that it had stopped the sale of Datura and planned to update packaging with a 'Not for Human Consumption' warning.
The adjudicating authority, however, found the responses inadequate given the toxic nature of Datura and directed the immediate suspension of the platforms' food licences pending compliance reports and a separate hearing.
Legal Framework and Directives
The action was taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011. The order noted that Datura is 'highly toxic' and that its sale as a food product is 'unlawful'. The authority directed the Designated Officer of Central Food Safety, Bengaluru, to suspend the licences of the three platforms with immediate effect.
Additionally, food safety officers have been directed to suspend the licences and registrations of third-party suppliers and vendors involved in supplying Datura products to the platforms. All listings and advertisements related to Datura on the platforms must be permanently removed.
Compliance and Next Steps
The suspension can be reviewed only after the platforms submit full compliance reports and a separate hearing is conducted, according to the order. The department has stated that any further violation could lead to legal and penal action under food safety laws.
An official from the department said a separate order will be issued after compliance reports are received and after the involved parties are given an opportunity to present their arguments. The department has also directed the relevant licensing authorities to cancel the registrations of online vendors involved in the sale.