Bengaluru, Aug 26:
Karnataka authorities have suspended the food licences of major e-commerce platforms after Datura fruits and seeds were allegedly found being sold online despite their toxic properties.
The action was taken against platforms including Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket after the sale of Datura products came to the notice of the authorities.
Officials said the products had been displayed for sale on certain online platforms operating under food safety licences or registrations.
Representatives of the companies appeared before the authorities during the proceedings. Amazon reportedly did not submit a response, while Instamart sought additional time to provide details of the action taken.
BigBasket informed the authorities that it had stopped the online sale of the fruits and would revise its labelling to clearly state that the products were not meant for human consumption.
The authorities are examining the circumstances under which the potentially toxic products were listed on food platforms and whether further regulatory action is required.