Karnataka Bans Datura Sale on Amazon, Swiggy, BigBasket
NEWZA Editorial Team••Source: MoneyControl
NEWZAFinancial Intelligence Feed
⚡ Key Financial Takeaways
Karnataka Food Safety Dept suspended licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket for selling toxic Datura fruits and seeds.
Platforms ordered to remove all Datura listings and stop sale; BigBasket to relabel as ‘Not for human consumption’.
Non‑compliance may trigger cancellation of FSSAI registrations and further legal action under Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.
Regulatory Action and Immediate Suspension The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has suspended food licences and registrations of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket pending further orders. The move follows inspections that uncovered Datura fruits and seeds being stored and sold through these e‑commerce platforms using FSSAI registration numbers.
Responses from E‑commerce Platforms Amazon did not submit a response to the notice, while Swiggy Instamart requested additional time to file detailed documents on actions taken. BigBasket confirmed it has halted the sale of Datura, altered its sale method and will label the product as ‘Not for human consumption’.
Legal Framework and Future Orders The action is taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Rules, 2011. The department will issue a separate order after receiving compliance reports, and may cancel registrations of the concerned organisations. Violations of the order could lead to further legal action under applicable food safety laws.
