Karnataka suspends food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, Bigbasket over Dhatura sales

The Karnataka government has directed authorities to suspend, until further orders, the food licences of e-commerce platforms Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and Bigbasket over the online sale and distribution of Dhatura fruits and seeds, citing public health and food safety concerns.

The government has also ordered the immediate suspension of licences and registrations of establishments and sellers supplying the products to the three online platforms. It has directed food business operators to remove all listings, advertisements and promotional material relating to Dhatura intended for food or human consumption.

Government cites toxic properties

Known as ‘thorn apple’ in English, the plant is called ‘Umathai’ in Tamil. The Food Safety and Drug Administration said the issue came to its notice after Dhatura fruits and seeds were found displayed for sale on certain online platforms under FSSAI licences or registrations.

“The Dhatura plant possesses toxic properties, and the consumption of its fruits and seeds may cause serious adverse effects on human health,” the department said.

The department said the sale, distribution, display for sale or promotion of Dhatura for food use or human consumption through online platforms was a matter of “serious concern” from the perspective of public health and food safety.

Platforms ordered to remove listings

The Food Safety and Drug Administration said the concerned competent authorities have been directed to take action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the rules and regulations made under it.

“In accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Rules/Regulations made thereunder, the concerned competent authorities have been directed to take necessary action for the suspension, until further orders, of the food licences issued to the e-commerce platforms, namely Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and Bigbasket, and to submit a compliance report forthwith,” it said.

The department directed all concerned food business operators to immediately discontinue online listings, advertisements and promotional activities relating to Dhatura fruits and seeds.

It also strictly prohibited their sale or distribution for food or human consumption in the future.

Seller licences also face suspension

The government has directed the concerned State and Central Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers to take immediate action against establishments and sellers supplying the products to Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and Bigbasket.

“The concerned State/Central Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers have also been directed to take immediate action for the suspension of the licences/registrations of the establishments and sellers supplying the above-mentioned products to the said online entities, with immediate effect,” the department said.

The suspension of the three platforms’ food licences will remain in force until further orders.

The government said the question of revoking the suspension would be considered separately after compliance reports are received and the concerned parties are given an opportunity of hearing.

It also directed all food business operators and online platforms concerned to ensure “strict and immediate compliance” with the directions in the interest of public health and food safety.

(With inputs from PTI.)