Karnataka suspends food licences of online platforms over Datura sale
Karnataka suspended the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket after toxic Datura fruits and seeds were found being sold as food. The action targets platforms and suppliers, with compliance reports and hearings to determine potential revocation.
Key takeaways
- Karnataka’s FSSAI authority suspended the platforms’ food licences and those of suppliers after finding Datura sold as food.
- Actions require removal of listings and a compliance report before any license revocation.
- Platform responses varied, with one reporting no action and another implementing labeling that was deemed insufficient by regulators.
What Happened
The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has suspended the food licences of e-commerce platforms Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket until further orders after findings that Datura fruits and seeds were being sold as food on these platforms. The suspension applies to the platforms’ licences under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and also extends to the licences or registrations of the sellers supplying the products. Platforms were directed to remove all listings and promotional material for Datura and to stop selling or distributing the fruits and seeds for human consumption. Affected platforms were noted to have submitted responses: Amazon did not reply; Swiggy Instamart sought more time to provide information; BigBasket said it had stopped selling Datura and would label products as 'Not for Human Consumption' in the future, which the department deemed insufficient.
The order was issued in the context of an official inquiry and inspections that found Datura products stored and listed for sale through online channels using FSSAI registrations or licences. The suspension order states the action remains until further orders and will be reviewed after compliance reports and a hearing are completed.
Why It Matters
Officials characterise Datura as a poisonous plant whose fruits and seeds pose serious health risks if consumed as food. By suspending licences for platforms and suppliers, authorities indicate platform-level accountability for ensuring that food offered through digital marketplaces is safe. The action marks an expansion of regulatory emphasis from notices to outright suspensions, aligning with broader FSSAI directions seen earlier in 2026. Platforms face potential future liability beyond their direct suppliers, depending on compliance outcomes.
Background
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Rules of 2011, authorities can suspend licences and registrations used in the handling, storage, sale or distribution of food considered unsafe. Datura, known for its toxic properties and lack of a safe edible dose, has limited traditional and religious uses but is considered unsafe for food use by regulators in this case. The action followed inspections that identified Datura products at online platforms and in warehouses with food registrations listed as part of the products’ documentation.
Key Facts
- The suspension covers Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket's food licences in Karnataka; licences of sellers supplying Datura were also targeted.
- The platforms were ordered to remove Datura listings, advertisements and promotional material and to stop selling or distributing the products for human consumption.
- Compliance reports and a hearing are prerequisites for any potential revocation of the suspensions.
- Responses from the platforms varied: Amazon did not respond; Swiggy Instamart sought more time; BigBasket claimed to have stopped selling Datura and would label products as not for human consumption, which regulators deemed insufficient.
- The action follows findings that Datura fruits/seeds were stored and offered for sale on platforms using FSSAI registrations or licences.
What Happens Next
Authorities will await compliance reports from the platforms and related sellers, followed by an opportunity for arguments before deciding whether to revoke the suspensions. Further orders are anticipated to define the duration of the suspensions and identify any additional corrective actions required to ensure future removals and proper labelling.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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