Karnataka Suspends Food Licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket Over Datura Listings

BENGALURU — Karnataka’s Food Safety and Drug Administration Department has suspended the food licences and registrations of major e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket.

The regulatory action was taken after authorities found poisonous Datura fruits and seeds being sold on these platforms as food for human consumption. According to the department, Datura contains poisonous properties that can cause serious adverse effects on human health. Under food safety regulations, its sale, distribution, storage, or display as food is strictly prohibited.

The suspensions followed inspections where officials discovered Datura products listed on the platforms using valid food licences and registrations. Authorities also found packages carrying food licence or registration numbers stored in warehouses and distributed through the networks.

During a hearing convened by the department, responses from the platforms varied. Amazon did not submit a response to the notice, while Swiggy Instamart requested additional time to provide documents detailing its compliance steps. BigBasket informed the department that it had halted the sale of Datura, removed the listing, and planned to update product labelling to explicitly state the items are not for human consumption.

The department concluded that the explanations and oral submissions provided by the platforms were unsatisfactory. Consequently, authorities ordered the suspension of their food licences and registrations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011.

The regulatory order also extends to sellers and organisations that supplied Datura products through Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket. Their respective food licences and registrations have been suspended with immediate effect.

All impacted platforms and food business operators have been directed to cease the sale, distribution, storage, display, or promotion of Datura fruits and seeds as food. They are also required to submit compliance reports. Following this, the department will conduct separate hearings to determine whether the suspensions can be lifted. Authorities have warned that any further violations will invite additional legal action.

This enforcement action in Karnataka aligns with broader regulatory scrutiny of e-commerce and quick-commerce operations across India. Earlier this month, Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration suspended 14 licences linked to Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart following inspections of 86 food establishments.

"This development highlights the critical need for e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms to strengthen their inventory screening and vendor compliance mechanisms. As regulatory oversight intensifies across India, digital marketplaces must realize that holding a food licence entails direct responsibility over every listed item. Companies operating in the delivery space need to implement rigorous automated filters and manual checks to prevent hazardous or restricted products from reaching consumers, ensuring regulatory compliance and consumer safety remain top priorities." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes