Karnataka Cannot Suspend E-Commerce Food Licences, Says Health Minister

BENGALURU — The Karnataka state government cannot suspend the food licences of e-commerce platforms, Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader has stated.

The clarification comes in the wake of regulatory action initiated by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). On August 24, the FDA recommended suspending the licences of major e-commerce platforms operating in the region.

The platforms named in the FDA recommendation include Swiggy Instamart, Amazon, and BigBasket.

The regulatory body made the recommendation under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The action was prompted after the platforms were found selling poisonous Datura fruit and seeds.