The Karnataka Food Safety and Standards Authority has taken strict action against major e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms. The regulator suspended the food business licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket. The drastic move comes after authorities found poisonous Datura fruits and seeds listed for sale on these platforms.
Officials confirmed that the toxic items were improperly categorized under food and herbal grocery sections. The state government has launched a broader inquiry into digital food marketplaces.
Toxic Datura Listed as Edible Food Products
Food safety inspectors uncovered dangerous product listings during routine digital surveillance. Datura is an extremely toxic plant with strong hallucinogenic and poisonous alkaloids.
However, online listings falsely presented the seeds as culinary and wellness products. Several sellers even displayed valid food registration numbers next to the toxic plant.
Consuming Datura can cause severe heart complications, delirium, and fatal poisoning. The dangerous classification triggered immediate alarm among state health authorities.
Immediate Suspension and Regulatory Crackdown
The state food safety department acted swiftly by halting the platforms’ food operations. Regulators issued formal show-cause notices to all three companies.
Officials ordered the immediate delisting of all Datura-related products across apps and websites. Furthermore, the companies must submit detailed compliance and vetting reports before their licences can be restored.
Food safety officers warned that strict penal action will follow under the Food Safety and Standards Act if platforms fail to filter hazardous goods.
Severe Health Hazards and Stricter Digital Oversight
Medical experts emphasize that Datura poisoning poses serious public health risks. Even tiny doses can trigger acute respiratory failure and nervous system collapse. The Karnataka FDA stated that quick-commerce platforms must enforce automated keyword filters to block restricted items.
Regulators across other southern states are also reviewing e-grocery catalogues to prevent similar lapses. The crackdown sends a strong warning to digital delivery networks regarding consumer safety standards.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
