Amazon and Swiggy Instamart are facing a major food safety issue in Karnataka. The Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department have acted against Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket after discovering that poisonous datura fruits and seeds were being listed on these platforms as food items.
Karnataka takes action on Amazon and Swiggy Instamart over datura sales
As reported by NDTV, the Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department has decided to suspend the food licenses of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket. The action followed complaints and an inquiry into the online sale of datura fruits and seeds as food products. Officials found some listings carrying food license or registration numbers despite the products being poisonous.
The department also discovered datura fruits and seeds kept in warehouses and being sold on online platforms. It then ordered the removal of all such listings, advertisements and sales meant for human use. The three platforms have also been asked to submit compliance reports and give undertakings to prevent similar sales in future. The action is linked to concerns over public health and food safety. The suspension will stay in place until further orders.
Why datura has become the focus?
Datura is a poisonous plant that has now come under attention because of its online sale. It is also known as thorn apple. The plant has a long history of traditional and medicinal use, but its natural chemicals can make it dangerous when used without proper control. Different parts of the plant contain toxic substances such as atropine, which can affect the brain, heart, eyes and nervous system.
The issue became even more alarming after reports that datura was given as a free item with an online grocery order. A Bengaluru woman said her mother fell seriously ill after eating part of a fruit received with a delivery. The fruit was later identified as datura. The incident helped bring wider attention to how the plant was being offered online. The case shows why an item listed as a food product needs careful checks. A simple mistake can become a serious safety problem when products reach homes within minutes.
What action will be taken by Karnataka on Amazon and Instamart?
Amazon’s team is yet to submit a response to the authority, while Swiggy Instamart asked for more time to submit documents about its actions. BigBasket has responded by stopping the online sale and will use clearer labels in future. However, the regulator said the responses from the companies were not satisfactory. The order also covers sellers and suppliers linked to these platforms. Their food licenses and registrations have been ordered to be suspended as well. The action shows that the regulator is looking beyond the apps and examining the wider supply chain.
For the quick commerce business sector, the issue is bigger than one product. These services depend on speed, large seller networks and thousands of listings. That makes strong checks very important. The companies can now respond to the authorities and seek a review of the suspension. Until then, the Karnataka action is a clear warning that speed cannot come before food safety.
Author’s Opinion
This case is a reminder that online food shopping still needs real checks. Quick delivery is useful, but safety must come first. Platforms, sellers and regulators all have a role. Better checks may help prevent a similar problem from reaching another home.
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