Karnataka suspends food licences of Amazon, Instamart, BigBasket over sale of 'illegal' fruit

E-PaperSubscribeSubscribeEnjoy unlimited accessSubscribe Now! Get features like 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. During the inquiry, officials found datura fruits and seeds displayed for sale on various e-commerce platforms. (Unsplash)During the inquiry, officials found datura fruits and seeds displayed for sale on various e-commerce platforms. In some cases, the products carried FSSAI licence or registration numbers despite being toxic and posing a serious health risk if consumed, NDTV reported. Also read | FDA suspends licenses of restaurants in Mumbai Cricket Association premises over 'hygiene' issues The investigation also found packets containing datura fruits and seeds bearing food licence or registration numbers. The products had been stored in warehouses and made available for sale or distribution through online platforms. 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. Representatives of the companies appeared before the authority as part of the proceedings. According to the order, Amazon did not submit a response, while Instamart sought additional time to provide documents detailing the action it had taken. Also read | Delhi's Marche Retail faces FSSAI action; license suspended over hygiene, training lapses BigBasket said it had stopped selling the fruits online. It also said it would amend the labelling in future to clearly state, "Not for human consumption". The regulator, however, found the responses and explanations unsatisfactory. It said storing, selling or distributing the products as food was impermissible. The department has directed the concerned authorities to suspend the food licences issued to Amazon, Instamart and BigBasket until further orders. The suspension can be reversed after a hearing, provided the platforms submit their responses. The licences and registrations of suppliers and sellers providing products to the three online platforms have also been ordered to be suspended with immediate effect. The order also requires food business operators to take down or suspend any online listings and advertisements offering datura fruits or seeds for consumption. Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More