The Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department has suspended the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket till further orders after datura (thornapple) fruits and seeds were found listed for sale on their platforms for human consumption.
Regulator Suspends Food Licences for Major Online Retailers
The regulatory body has deemed the explanations provided by Amazon, Instamart, and BigBasket regarding their food products unsatisfactory. As a result, the department has ordered the suspension of food licences for these companies until further notice. The regulator emphasized that storing, selling, or distributing these products as food is not permitted.
The Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department had earlier ordered an investigation into the sale and online listing of datura products following complaints against the quick commerce platforms. Earlier reporting noted: Amazon, Swiggy, BigBasket Lose Food Licences Over ‘Datura’ Sales In Karnataka Amazon, Swiggy, BigBasket Lose Food Licences Over ‘Datura’ Sales In Karnataka Amazon, Swiggy, BigBasket Lose Food Licences Over ‘Datura’ Sales In Karnataka Earlier reporting noted: In a major move against quick commerce apps, the Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department suspended the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket for selling poisonous Datura (Dhatura) fruits and seeds on their platforms for human consumption. Earlier reporting noted: Packets containing datura fruits and seeds were found bearing food licence/registration numbers and that the products had been stored in warehouses and offered for sale or distribution through online platforms.
Investigation Uncovers Illegally Stored Datura Products
An investigation has revealed that packets containing datura fruits and seeds were improperly stored in warehouses. These products were associated with food licenses or registration numbers and were made available for sale or distribution through online platforms. The findings raise significant concerns regarding food safety and regulatory compliance in the distribution of these hazardous items.
