BENGALURU: A grocery delivery that included a fruit listed as a “free” item on the bill turned into a medical emergency for a JC Nagar family after the woman’s mother ate part of it, unaware that it was highly poisonous datura.The incident, which took place on August 11, eventually led the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the online sale of datura and order action against major delivery platforms.The JC Nagar resident had ordered a cake and two energy drinks through an online delivery platform. Along with the paid items, she received a fruit that she had not ordered and which was listed on the bill at zero cost.Her mother ate part of the fruit and soon developed severe symptoms, including chest pain, forcing the family to rush her to a nearby hospital.The woman later shared her experience on X, saying the fruit was identified as datura, a highly toxic plant. She also raised concerns that the fruit reportedly carried a green dot, generally used to indicate vegetarian food, without any warning that it was poisonous or unsuitable for consumption.The woman initially approached RT Nagar police, who directed her to the FDA, saying it was the competent authority to deal with the matter.Acting on the complaint, FDA officials began checking online platforms and found that datura fruit, seeds and related products were being offered for sale. More concerningly, some listings carried food registrations, effectively placing the poisonous product within the food category.The FDA subsequently ordered suspension of the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket and directed the platforms to remove listings and advertisements for datura and stop selling or distributing it as a food product.“Police informed her that we were the competent authority and then forwarded the details to me. Based on this, we checked which portals were selling datura or datura seeds and asked their executives to appear for an inquiry,” FDA commissioner Srinivas K said.Datura, commonly known as thorn apple, belongs to the nightshade family and contains toxic compounds that can cause serious poisoning, altered consciousness and coma and, in severe cases, can be fatal.During the inquiry, the platforms gave different explanations. Swiggy Instamart said it was conducting an internal audit, while BigBasket identified the seller and informed officials that the fruits had been sourced from farmers in Malur.BigBasket told the FDA that 6,432 datura fruits had already been sold, while another 1,220 were still in stock. Amazon, meanwhile, did not respond to the department, officials said.However, the listings did not disappear immediately despite the regulatory action. When TOI checked the platforms on Tuesday, datura fruits, seeds and powders were still available on two of the three platforms until noon.
FDA gives Karnataka eateries 15 days to fix lapses
In a separate move, the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration has directed food businesses across the state to rectify food safety, hygiene and sanitation deficiencies within 15 days following a special inspection drive that detected violations at several establishments.In an advisory issued on August 20, the department asked food business operators to maintain valid FSSAI licences, use safe and quality ingredients, procure and store raw materials properly and immediately segregate and dispose of expired food products.The advisory also stressed kitchen cleanliness, pest control, temperature management, personal hygiene of food handlers, safe water and ice, proper food labelling and waste disposal.
Re-inspections planned
Food businesses have been asked to maintain records relating to procurement, storage, cleaning, pest control and staff training and cooperate with food safety officials during inspections.After the 15-day compliance period, officials will conduct re-inspections. Establishments found continuing to violate food safety norms could face legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and applicable regulations.
