Published Aug 25, 2026 | 11:24 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 25, 2026 | 11:33 AM
Datura seeds are extremely toxic and can cause severe health risks if consumed. (Wikimedia Commons)
Synopsis: The Karnataka government has cracked down on online platforms selling toxic Datura seeds, marketed as fit for human consumption. The action follows concerns over the potential health risks posed by the listings and raises questions about how e-commerce platforms verify products.
The Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration (FSDA) has suspended, until further orders, the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket after an inquiry found poisonous Datura fruits and seeds being listed and sold online as food.
The issue came to light during inspections by food safety officials, who found toxic datura seeds and fruits stored and offered for sale through e-commerce platforms labelled as food products. Some products even carried licence or registration numbers from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Food Safety Commissioner K. Srinivas ordered the suspension of the platforms’ licences to sell food products and directed the immediate removal of all advertisements and listings labelling Datura as fit for human consumption. The platforms have been directed not to sell, distribute, advertise or display Datura fruits or seeds as food or for human consumption in future.
Datura seeds are extremely toxic and can cause severe health risks if consumed, including respiratory depression, arrhythmias, fever and psychosis. Depending on the quantity and the type of seeds or fruits consumed, it could even be fatal.
“The Datura plant possesses toxic properties, and consumption of its fruits and seeds may cause serious adverse effects on human health. Therefore, the sale, distribution, display for sale, or promotion of Datura fruits/seeds for food use or human consumption through any online platform is a matter of serious concern from the point of view of public health and food safety,” the FSDA said in a statement.
However, these seeds and fruits were found stored in warehouses, packed and listed for distribution as food products through online platforms, prompting action by the authorities. The action against the e-commerce platforms has been initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011.
Authorities have also suspended the licenses of the suppliers and vendors who sold the Datura fruits and seeds to the online selling platforms. The FSDA has directed the relevant State or Central licensing authorities to initiate action to cancel the registrations of the organisations or vendors concerned.
At a hearing before the Commissioner, the representatives of Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket submitted their responses to the notices issued regarding the sale of the poisonous seeds.
Amazon did not submit a response, while Instamart sought more time to produce documents related to the action taken after receiving the department’s notice.
BigBasket said it had stopped online sales of the product and that it would ensure future listings clarify the product is “not for human consumption.”
However, the regulator found the responses unsatisfactory and ordered the suspension of licences and other action against the platforms and the suppliers.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
