Datura Sold As Food: Karnataka Suspends Licences Of Amazon, Instamart, BigBasket – The Indian Express

Karnataka’s Food Safety Department has suspended the licenses of Amazon, Instamart, and BigBasket after confirming that products containing datura were being sold as food items on these platforms. This action follows reports of the plant being marketed as edible, despite its known toxicity, raising urgent public health concerns.

The suspension was announced on March 15, 2024, after authorities identified multiple listings on these platforms offering datura, a plant known for its psychoactive and toxic properties, as part of food or herbal products. The Food Safety Department stated that the sale of datura as food is illegal and poses serious health risks, including hallucinations, poisoning, and even death if consumed improperly.

Officials confirmed that the licenses of Amazon, Instamart, and BigBasket have been temporarily suspended pending further investigation. The companies have been asked to remove all listings related to datura immediately. The move follows a series of consumer complaints and a recent inspection by food safety officials, who found datura being sold without proper labeling or safety warnings.

Authorities emphasized that datura, also known as ‘Devil’s Weed,’ contains potent alkaloids that can cause severe poisoning. While some traditional practices use parts of the plant for medicinal purposes, its sale for culinary use is highly regulated and generally prohibited due to its toxicity.

Implications for Food Safety Regulations in India

This development highlights ongoing concerns about the regulation and oversight of herbal and traditional food products sold through online platforms in India. The suspension of licenses underscores the need for stricter monitoring of what is being marketed as food or herbal remedies, especially when dangerous plants like datura are involved. The incident may prompt regulatory authorities to tighten rules and improve enforcement against illegal sales across e-commerce platforms, protecting consumers from potential health hazards.

Rise of Online Food Sales and Regulatory Challenges

India’s e-commerce sector has seen rapid growth, with major platforms like Amazon, BigBasket, and Instamart expanding their food and herbal product offerings. However, this growth has often outpaced regulatory oversight, leading to instances of unverified or unsafe products entering the market. Datura, a plant with known toxic properties, has occasionally surfaced in traditional medicine markets, but its sale as food or edible product is illegal under Indian food safety laws.

The current incident follows previous warnings issued by health authorities about the dangers of consuming certain herbal plants without proper identification or regulation. It also reflects the challenges faced by regulators in monitoring online sales, especially when products are marketed as herbal or natural remedies, which often lack standardized safety protocols.

In recent years, there have been multiple cases of toxic plants being sold as food or herbal supplements, sometimes leading to poisoning incidents. This situation underscores the importance of stricter enforcement and consumer awareness about the risks associated with unverified herbal products.

“We are cooperating with authorities and have removed all listings related to datura. Ensuring consumer safety is our priority.”

— Amazon spokesperson

Extent of Datura Sales and Platform Responses Unclear

It is still unclear how widespread the sale of datura was across these platforms or if there are other online or offline vendors involved. Details on the quantity sold, specific product listings, and whether consumers have been affected are still emerging. Additionally, the full scope of platform responses and future regulatory measures remains to be seen as investigations continue.

Next Steps in Regulatory Action and Consumer Safety Measures

Authorities are expected to conduct further investigations into the sale of datura and may expand the suspension or impose legal penalties on vendors involved. Platforms like Amazon, BigBasket, and Instamart are likely to enhance their product verification processes and cooperate with regulators. Consumer advisories about herbal product safety are also anticipated to increase in the coming weeks. The government may introduce new regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future and improve online food safety oversight.

Key Questions

What is datura and why is it dangerous?

Datura is a plant known for its psychoactive and toxic alkaloids, which can cause hallucinations, poisoning, and even death if ingested improperly. It is not approved for sale as food or herbal supplement in India.

Why did Karnataka suspend licenses of Amazon, BigBasket, and Instamart?

The licenses were suspended after authorities confirmed that these platforms were selling datura as food, which is illegal and poses serious health risks.

Are consumers at risk from this sale?

There is currently no confirmed report of poisoning or health incidents directly linked to these sales, but the potential for harm exists if datura is consumed without proper knowledge or safety measures.

What actions are authorities taking now?

Authorities are investigating the extent of the sale, removing listings, suspending licenses, and may implement stricter regulations to prevent future illegal sales of toxic plants as food.

Can datura be used in traditional medicine?

Yes, in some traditional practices, parts of datura are used medicinally, but only under strict supervision and regulation due to its toxicity. Selling it openly as food or herbal remedy is illegal.

Source: local