The Food Safety Authority of Karnataka has decided to withdraw the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket because it has been found out that these platforms have been selling the fruits and seeds of the datura plant, which are toxic and not fit for human consumption.
This decision has been made on the basis of an inspection which revealed that the fruits and seeds of the datura plant are being sold on these websites with the information of food licences and registrations. According to reports, the action followed an inspection into the sale of these products.
Platforms Ordered to Remove Datura Listings
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has instructed Amazon, Swiggy, Instamart, and BigBasket to remove from their platforms all items, advertisements, and promotions pertaining to datura fruits and seeds.
The department has also mandated that licences of sellers and establishments which provided these products on such platforms be suspended immediately.
It has been brought to light by officials that datura fruits and seeds in packets were stored in warehouses prior to their distribution on such platforms.
Companies Respond to Karnataka Food Safety Notice
Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket representatives were called to face the authorities on this matter.
- Amazon failed to present a response in the hearing.
- Swiggy Instamart pleaded for an extension and did not present any document about the action taken after the issuance of the notice.
- The representatives of BigBasket notified the authorities that they have ceased the sales and will update the products with “NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION”.
However, the food safety authorities were dissatisfied with their responses.
Karnataka Issues Consumer Advisory on Datura Products
In addition to revoking licences, the food safety department of Karnataka has issued an advisory to consumers to refrain from purchasing, selling, or consuming datura fruits and seeds.
It is also instructing the online platforms, vendors, wholesale suppliers, and distributors to:
- Withdraw listings immediately.
- Inform about the stock already present.
- Provide details about the source of the products and their sale.
- Report any suspicious distribution.
Consumers are also being advised to report these listings to the food safety department.
Karnataka Expands Food Safety Crackdown on Quick Commerce Platforms
License suspensions are among the various inspection efforts being carried out by the state of Karnataka for the online grocery and quick commerce platforms.
Inspection of numerous warehouses and facilities has taken place in the state in this regard.
Earlier, a Zepto warehouse in Hoskote had been sealed while the Hyperpure facility of Zomato had been inspected in Bengaluru. As per reports from officials, the statewide inspection drive involved over 200 warehouses of e-commerce firms, with steps being taken against a number of entities.
In Maharashtra too, food authorities have reportedly suspended the licences of dark stores belonging to quick commerce firms.
The recent development is indicative of how online grocery platforms are increasingly coming under the regulatory radar.
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