Karnataka Halts Amazon, Swiggy, BigBasket Food Sales Over Poisonous 'Dhatura' Listings

In a decisive move, the Karnataka government has suspended the food license of e-commerce giants Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket. This strict action follows the alarming discovery that these platforms were facilitating the online sale of highly poisonous 'Dhatura' fruits and seeds, often with official-looking FSSAI license numbers misleadingly attached to the toxic products. The decision, effective immediately and 'until further orders', underscores a serious lapse in food safety compliance threatening public health. The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (KFSDA) initiated an inquiry after a Bangalore resident flagged the issue on social media, reportedly showing Dhatura being distributed as a freebie. Dhatura, also known as 'thorn apple', contains dangerous chemicals called Tropane Alkaloids, which can cause severe health problems like delirium, mental imbalance, and even death if consumed. This isn't an isolated incident; quick-commerce platforms have faced increasing scrutiny from FSSAI, with Swiggy Instamart receiving multiple notices in July 2026 over complaints of expired and unsafe food products. Beyond just the big platforms, the KFSDA has also ordered the immediate suspension of licenses for the suppliers and sellers who provided these deadly products. While BigBasket has stated it has stopped selling Dhatura and will relabel it, Amazon did not respond, and Swiggy Instamart sought more time to provide details, responses deemed unsatisfactory by authorities. The suspensions will remain until compliance reports are submitted and the companies are given a chance to present their case, highlighting a growing regulatory push to hold online Food Business Operators (FBOs) accountable for the safety of what they deliver.