Amazon, Instamart and BigBasket have had their Karnataka food licences revoked after authorities linked them to the sale of toxic datura products. The firms responded variably, with Amazon remaining silent, Instamart asking for more time, and BigBasket halting online fruit sales.
- Licences revoked for datura sales
- Amazon did not respond
- BigBasket stopped online fruit sales
The Karnataka state government has withdrawn food licences from three major e‑commerce platforms—Amazon, Instamart and BigBasket—after investigations revealed that they facilitated the sale of poisonous datura products. The move follows a detailed probe by the state’s public health department.
Company reactions differed: Amazon offered no written or verbal response, Instamart requested additional time to submit the required documentation, and BigBasket announced that it has immediately halted online fruit sales and will cooperate with further inquiries.
Food licences in Karnataka are issued under stringent regulations that expressly prohibit the trade of harmful botanicals. Datura, commonly known as “thorn apple,” contains potent toxins that can cause severe health emergencies, prompting the state to keep a tight watch on any commercial activity involving the plant.
The revocation is set to reverberate across the e‑commerce sector. Consumer confidence may erode, and platforms will likely incur extra costs to establish compliant food‑supply chains. The action also signals that regulators are prepared to tighten oversight of digital food sales nationwide.
Historical Background
Over the past five years, India has recorded several cases of datura poisoning, especially in southern states. In 2021, a major pharmacy in Karnataka was shut down for selling datura‑infused teas, leading to stricter state‑wide food‑safety rules. Today’s licence cancellations continue that trajectory of heightened enforcement.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the revocation not only penalizes non‑compliant retailers but also sets a precedent for stricter digital food‑safety enforcement across India, potentially reshaping the e‑commerce landscape.
"Stopping the sale of datura is essential for public health, and digital platforms must be held accountable," says food‑safety expert Dr. Raviendra Singh.
Karnataka authorities have now ordered all online food sellers to undergo a fresh verification of their licence documentation. This step aims to boost consumer protection while compelling e‑commerce giants to make their supply chains more transparent and secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is datura and why is it dangerous?
Datura is a poisonous plant whose leaves and seeds contain anticholinergic compounds that can cause rapid heart rate, severe nausea, hallucinations, and even death when ingested.
How does a licence revocation affect online sales?
Without a valid food licence, companies must immediately remove all related products from their platforms, leading to a sharp drop in sales and increased compliance costs to regain consumer trust.
