Bengaluru, 24 August 2026: Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department has ordered immediate action against the online sale and promotion of Datura fruits and seeds for food or human consumption, citing their poisonous nature and potential risk to public health.
In an order dated August 24, 2026, the Commissioner and Adjudicating Authority of the Food Safety and Drugs Administration directed those online listings and advertisements offering Datura fruits or seeds for food or human consumption be immediately removed.
Order came after the department found Datura products being displayed for sale through e-commerce platforms including Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket, in some cases with food licence or registration numbers.
Food Licences of Three Platforms Ordered to Be Suspended
Authority has directed the competent food safety authorities to suspend, until further orders, the food licences issued to Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the related regulations, in connection with the case.
Authorities have also been directed to submit compliance reports promptly. Order states that the suspension may be considered for removal after compliance is reported and the concerned parties are given an opportunity to present their case.
Datura Sales Came Under Department Scrutiny
Proceedings followed the department's observation that Datura fruits and seeds were being displayed through online platforms as food or for human consumption. Department noted that Datura has poisonous properties and that consumption can cause serious adverse effects on human health.
Authority also recorded that packets containing Datura fruits or seeds were found carrying food licence or registration numbers. The products were also found stored in warehouses and being offered for sale or distribution through online e-commerce platforms.
Based on these findings, the authority concluded that storing, selling or distributing Datura as a food product poses a public health concern.
Amazon Did Not Submit a Response
During the hearing on August 24, representatives of the concerned businesses appeared before the authority. According to the order, Amazon did not submit a response to the notice.
Swiggy Instamart reportedly sought additional time to provide documents relating to the action taken in response to the notice. BigBasket informed the authority that Datura fruits had been offered for sale and that the sale had been stopped. The company also stated that it would correct the mode of sale and ensure that the product is labelled “NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION” in future.
Authority, however, found that the written explanations and oral submissions were not satisfactory in view of the public health implications.
Suppliers and Sellers Also Face Action
Order goes beyond the three e-commerce platforms. Authorities concerned have been directed to immediately suspend the licences or registrations of businesses and sellers supplying the products to the online platforms. Direction applies to the relevant State or Central food safety authorities, depending on the jurisdiction of the concerned supplier or seller.
Online Listings and Advertisements Must Be Removed
Department has directed the concerned food businesses to immediately stop selling, distributing, displaying for sale or promoting Datura fruits and seeds for food or human consumption through online platforms.
They have also been instructed not to display or sell the products as food or for human consumption in the future. Order warns that violation of any of its directions could lead to further action under the applicable laws.
Why the Order Matters
Case highlights a growing regulatory challenge arising from the sale of potentially hazardous products through online marketplaces.
Karnataka authority's proceedings specifically focus on the presentation of Datura fruits and seeds as food or products intended for human consumption, including the use of food-related licences or registrations.
Order also places responsibility not only on individual sellers but on the wider online supply chain, including e-commerce platforms and businesses supplying products to them. Action was taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011, as cited in the order.
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