Karnataka seeks Central action against e-commerce firms over datura sale - The HinduPublished - August 26, 2026 08:32 pm IST - BengaluruForbidden fruit: The State had earlier suspended their food licences of certain e-commerce platforms and directed them to stop selling datura and remove the listings. | Photo Credit: File photoThe Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has recommended that the Central Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) suspend the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket over the sale of datura fruits and seeds as food products, Health Minister U.T. Khader said on Wednesday.The State had earlier suspended their food licences and directed the platforms to stop selling datura and remove the listings. The department has now written to the Chief Executive Officer of the Central FSSAI, seeking suspension of their licences at the Central level, he said.‘Legal process under way’Mr. Khader said the three platforms had displayed datura fruits and seeds for sale for human consumption using FSSAI licence or registration numbers. Notices were issued directing them to immediately stop the sale and remove the listings.During a hearing on Monday, Amazon did not submit a reply, while Swiggy Instamart sought more time to furnish documents on the action taken. BigBasket said it had stopped selling datura and would change the labelling to state: “Not for human consumption.”“While their food licences have been suspended at the State level, we have also recommended that the Central FSSAI suspend their licences. Their representative in Bengaluru has not taken action even after 24 hours. So, we have complained against him to the Central FSSAI, and he has been issued a show-cause notice,” Mr. Khader said.Given the poisonous nature of datura, storing, selling or distributing it as a food product is illegal and poses a public health risk, he said.More power for StatesMr. Khader said State governments should be given wider powers to suspend the licences of e-commerce companies found selling prohibited or poisonous food products.“We will write to the Centre seeking complete powers for State governments to suspend the licences of e-commerce companies if they supply prohibited food or poisonous substances,” he said.He said companies with an annual turnover of more than ₹50 crore currently came under the Central authority for licence-related action, while the State government could regulate companies below that threshold.“Though the power to issue licences rests with the Centre, State governments should be given the power to suspend licences when there is a violation of food-safety rules,” he said.Published - August 26, 2026 08:32 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }