Amazon, Instamart and BigBasket Licences Suspended in Karnataka Over Datura Sales
Karnataka government has banned food licences of Amazon, Instamart and BigBasket after deadly datura fruits and seeds were identified for sale on their platforms, authorities said. Some of the products had FSSAI licence numbers and were stored as food items.
The Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department took a strong stance against fast commerce apps by suspending the food licenses of Amazon, Instamart, and BigBasket. Their business licenses were revoked because they sold datura (dhatura) fruits and seeds, which are toxic to humans.
An investigation into the listing and sale of datura items on these platforms was previously requested by the authority. Complaints against the fast commerce titans marketing the toxic goods prompted the intervention.
Specifics of Investigation on Quick Commerce Firms
The agency discovered throughout its investigation that several online marketplaces were advertising datura fruits and seeds for sale. Despite the fruit's toxicity and the grave danger it poses to human health, it has been sold with FSSAI licence or registration numbers in some instances. There was evidence of warehouse storage and the presence of food licence/registration numbers on packets containing datura fruits and seeds. They also advertised it for sale or distribution on several internet platforms.
Before the authority, representatives from the companies had made an appearance. Instamart requested more time to present its documentation on the action it took, while Amazon did not respond, per the order. According to BigBasket's reaction, the online sale of the fruits has been discontinued. The company went on to say that it will change the labels to read "Not for human consumption" going forward. It was forbidden to store, sell, or distribute the products as food, according to the regulator, who found the answers and justifications to be inadequate.
Action Taken by Karnataka Govt
Amazon, Instamart, and BigBasket have had their food licences temporarily suspended until additional directives are made by the Karnataka food safety authorities. The platforms are required to submit a response before a hearing can be held to reverse the ban.
Suppliers and merchants supplying these online platforms have also been directed to have their licences and registrations suspended immediately. The directive goes on to say that the food companies in question are to delete or temporarily halt any online postings and ads selling datura fruits and seeds for human use.
According to the agency, necessary measures should be taken promptly by the relevant State/Central Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers. With immediate effect, these steps include suspending the licenses and registrations of the institutions and dealers who offer the aforementioned products to the aforementioned internet entities. In Tamil, this plant is named Umathai, however in English, it is called thorn apple. The Dhatura plant is hazardous, and eating its fruits or seeds might have devastating consequences for people's health, according to the department.
