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Karnataka suspends food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket over sale of 'illegal' fruit
The government has directed authorities to suspend the licences and registrations of establishments and sellers supplying the products to the three platforms.
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The Karnataka government has ordered the suspension of food licences held by Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and Bigbasket until further orders after Dhatura fruits and seeds were found being sold online for food or human consumption.
The government has also directed authorities to suspend the licences and registrations of establishments and sellers supplying the products to the three platforms. All concerned food business operators have been told to immediately take down listings, advertisements and promotional material related to Dhatura meant for food or human consumption. news agency PTI reported.
Government cites public health concerns
The plant, known as ‘thorn apple’ in English, is called ‘Umathai’ in Tamil.
The Food Safety and Drug Administration said the action was taken under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Rules and Regulations made under it.
"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 Food Safety and Drug Administration said in a press release.
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The department said the matter came to its attention after Dhatura fruits and seeds were found listed for sale on certain online platforms under FSSAI licences or registrations.
Authorities order removal of Dhatura listings
The department said the Dhatura plant has toxic properties and that consuming its fruits and seeds may cause serious adverse effects on human health.
It said the online sale, distribution, display or promotion of the products for food use or human consumption raised serious public health and food safety concerns.
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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 strictly prohibited in the future.
The suspension of the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and Bigbasket will remain in force until further orders.
Suspension review to follow compliance reports
The department said the question of revoking the suspensions would be considered separately after compliance reports are received and the concerned parties are given an opportunity to be heard.
"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 has directed all concerned food business operators and online platforms to ensure "strict and immediate compliance" with the orders in the interest of public health and food safety.
Google Trends
According to Google Trends, searches for ‘datura’ picked up after the Karnataka government ordered the suspension of food licences held by Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket until further orders, after dhatura fruits and seeds were found being sold online for food or human consumption. Searches for ‘datura’ peaked at 8 am on Tuesday.
(With inputs from PTI)
