Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Karnataka Seeks Food Licence Suspension Over Toxic Datura Sales
Karnataka found that datura fruits and seeds were being offered online as food.
Datura is a poisonous plant that can seriously harm people who eat it.
The state told authorities to suspend the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket.
It also told the platforms to remove the datura listings.
The platforms were asked to stop selling and distributing these items for people to eat.
Online shops that sell food must follow food-safety rules.
The law calls these businesses Food Business Operators.
This means online platforms can have food licences even though they do not operate like ordinary shops.
Karnataka directed authorities to suspend the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket.
The action followed reports that toxic datura fruits and seeds were listed for human consumption.
The state food-safety department warned that datura can cause serious adverse health effects.
The platforms were asked to remove the listings and stop selling or distributing datura for human consumption.
Under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, online food sellers are treated as Food Business Operators and must meet food-safety obligations.
- Who
- Karnataka’s food-safety department, relevant authorities, Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket.
- What
- Authorities were directed to suspend the platforms’ food licences and require removal of datura listings intended for human consumption.
- Where
- Karnataka, India, involving listings on e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms.
- Why
- Datura fruits and seeds were offered for human consumption despite their toxic properties and potential to cause serious adverse health effects.
- State involved
- Karnataka
- Platforms named
- Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket
- Product at issue
- Datura fruits and seeds offered for human consumption
- State action
- Authorities were directed to suspend the platforms’ food licences
- Additional order
- The platforms were asked to remove the listings and stop sale and distribution for human consumption
- Relevant law
- Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
- Regulatory classification
- Online food-selling platforms are treated as Food Business Operators