1 week ago
Karnataka Minister Seeks Action Over Datura Licence Suspension Delay
Karnataka officials found that poisonous Datura fruits or seeds were allegedly being supplied with food ordered online.
The state asked for the food licences of three e-commerce platforms to be suspended.
Minister U T Khader said a Central food safety official did not act on the request quickly enough.
About 2,100 pieces of Datura-related material were reportedly seized.
The sellers have not said where they got it.
Khader wants Karnataka to have more power to cancel licences for e-commerce food sellers.
The government is also checking complaints about chemicals being used on vegetables.
Separately, a team is investigating fake medicines found near Bengaluru.
Karnataka ordered suspension of food licences for Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket over alleged Datura distribution.
U T Khader said a Central food safety official failed to act within 24 hours on the state’s request.
Officials reportedly seized about 2,100 pieces of Datura-related material, but sellers did not disclose its source.
Khader said Karnataka wants greater authority to cancel licences held by Central-licensed e-commerce companies.
A new SIT is investigating a fake-drug racket, while the government is also examining alleged chemical spraying on vegetables.
- Who
- Karnataka Minister U T Khader, the state Food Safety Department, a Central food safety official, and the e-commerce platforms Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket.
- What
- The state sought action over an alleged delay in suspending food licences linked to the distribution of poisonous Datura, while also announcing investigations into chemicals on vegetables and counterfeit medicines.
- Where
- Karnataka, including Bengaluru and Bidadi near Bengaluru.
- When
- The licence suspension order was issued Tuesday, and Khader raised the delayed-action issue Wednesday; the fake-drug racket was reported as being uncovered a week earlier.
- Why
- The state says Datura was supplied as a complimentary item with food through online platforms and wants enforcement action to protect consumers.
Key facts
- Product involved
- Datura, also known as thornapple, described by the minister as poisonous.
- Platforms named
- Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket.
- Seizure
- Around 2,100 pieces of Datura-related material were seized.
- Alleged delay
- Khader said no action was taken by the Central designated Food Safety Officer in Bengaluru within 24 hours.
- Proposed rule change
- Karnataka wants authority to cancel licences held by Central-licensed e-commerce companies.
- Food complaints
- The department received 435 complaints through its food safety complaint system.
- Fake-drug investigation
- An SIT comprising police, Drug Department and Commercial Taxes officials is tracing billing and supply chains.
Quotes
U T Khader
Karnataka Health Minister
“If the system has to function properly, all officials must work properly. Otherwise, our department may work hard, take action against even powerful people and companies in the public interest, and issue directions. If officials simply sit idle instead of acting on those directions, can we improve the food system with such officials?”
deccanchronicle.com
“They should have the power to grant the licence, but the power to cancel the licence should be given to us. We can inspect and allow them to continue quickly if everything is in order”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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