The Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department has suspended the food licences of Amazon, Instamart and BigBasket over the alleged online sale of datura, or dhatura, fruits and seeds as products intended for human consumption. The action followed complaints about the availability of the poisonous plant material on online shopping platforms and an investigation ordered by the state authorities. Officials said the products posed a serious risk to public health because datura is toxic if consumed.

The department had earlier directed officials to investigate the sale and online listings of datura fruits and seeds on e-commerce platforms. During the investigation, authorities found that the products were being displayed for sale on multiple platforms. In some cases, packets containing datura fruits or seeds were found carrying food licence or registration numbers, raising concerns about how products containing a poisonous substance had entered the food distribution system.

Officials also found that the products were being stored in warehouses before being offered for sale or distribution through online platforms. The findings prompted the department to take action against the companies involved. Authorities said the presence of food-related licence or registration details on the packaging was particularly concerning because consumers could potentially interpret such markings as an indication that the products were approved or safe for consumption.

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The department subsequently suspended the food licences of Amazon, Instamart and BigBasket in connection with the matter. The action represents a significant regulatory response to the sale of potentially toxic material through digital commerce platforms, particularly as quick-commerce services allow products to reach consumers rapidly. The investigation is focused on the manner in which the datura products were listed, stored and made available for purchase.

According to the information provided by the department, Amazon did not submit a response to the action. Instamart sought additional time to provide documents relating to the steps it had taken in response to the issue. BigBasket, meanwhile, told the authorities in its response that it had stopped the online sale of the fruits. The differing responses from the platforms will form part of the regulatory process as authorities assess compliance and responsibility. The Karnataka department's action highlights the challenges faced by food safety regulators in monitoring products sold through online marketplaces and quick-commerce services.

Unlike conventional retail outlets, digital platforms can carry a large and frequently changing range of listings, making oversight more complex. The discovery of datura products carrying food licence or registration details has raised additional questions about safeguards in the supply chain. Authorities are expected to examine how the products were approved for listing and whether other platforms or sellers may also have offered similar items. The suspension of the licences underscores the importance of preventing toxic substances from being marketed as food products and protecting consumers from potentially dangerous products sold through online channels.

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