Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has taken action against Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket after Dhatura fruits and seeds were found listed for sale online, directing authorities to suspend the platforms’ food licences until further orders over concerns about possible risks to public health, PTI reported.
The government has also ordered the immediate suspension of the licences and registrations of establishments and sellers supplying Dhatura products to the three e-commerce companies. All concerned food business operators have been instructed to remove listings, advertisements and promotional content offering Dhatura for food or human consumption.
Toxic Plant Sparks Food Safety Action
Dhatura, commonly known as “thorn apple” in English, is called “Umathai” in Tamil. The Food Safety and Drug Administration said the matter came to its attention after the fruits and seeds were displayed for sale on certain online platforms operating under FSSAI licences or registrations.
“In accordance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Rules/Regulations made thereunder, the concerned competent authorities have been directed to take necessary action for the suspension, until further orders, of the food licences issued to the e-commerce platforms, namely Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and Bigbasket, and to submit a compliance report forthwith,” the department said in a press release.
“The Dhatura plant possesses toxic properties, and the consumption of its fruits and seeds may cause serious adverse effects on human health,” it said.
The department said the online sale, distribution, display or promotion of Dhatura fruits and seeds for food or human consumption raised serious public health and food safety concerns.
Sellers Ordered To Remove Listings
Food business operators have been directed to immediately stop all online listings, advertisements and promotional activities involving Dhatura fruits and seeds. Their sale or distribution for food or human consumption has also been prohibited in the future.
The department said the licence suspension imposed on Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket would continue until further orders. Once compliance reports are received, any decision to revoke the suspension will be considered separately after the concerned parties are given an opportunity to present their case.
“The concerned State/Central Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers have also been directed to take immediate action for the suspension of the licences/registrations of the establishments and sellers supplying the above-mentioned products to the said online entities, with immediate effect,” the department said.
The government urged the platforms and other concerned food businesses to implement the directives immediately and in full to protect public health and uphold food safety.
