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A ‘free’ fruit in a Bengaluru grocery order sent a woman to hospital. Now, an FDA probe has uncovered a troubling trail of poisonous datura being sold online
Datura, commonly known as thorn apple, belongs to the nightshade family and contains toxic compounds.
Bengaluru News: A grocery delivery in Bengaluru took an alarming turn after a family received an unrequested fruit listed as a free item on their bill, only to discover that it was reportedly the highly poisonous datura.
The incident, which took place on August 11, prompted the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the online sale of datura, including its fruits and seeds, as reported by The Times of India. Following the investigation, the department ordered action against major online delivery platforms.
‘Free’ Fruit Leaves Bengaluru Woman’s Mother Seriously Unwell
The incident was reported by a resident of JC Nagar, who had ordered a cake and two energy drinks through an online delivery platform. Along with the items she had paid for, the woman received a fruit she had not ordered. The item appeared on the bill with a value of zero, indicating that it had been provided free of charge.
Unaware of what the fruit was, the woman’s mother ate part of it. She soon developed severe symptoms, including chest pain, prompting the family to rush her to a nearby hospital.
The woman later recounted the incident on X, saying the fruit was identified as datura, a poisonous plant.
Woman Questions Green Dot On Poisonous Fruit
The woman also raised concerns about the way the fruit had been supplied. According to her account, the fruit reportedly carried a green dot, a symbol generally associated with vegetarian food products. She questioned why a poisonous fruit was supplied without a warning indicating that it was unsafe or unsuitable for consumption.
The family initially approached the RT Nagar police, but officers directed the complaint to the FDA, saying the food safety department was the competent authority to investigate the matter.
FDA Finds Datura Being Sold On Online Platforms
The complaint prompted FDA officials to examine online platforms selling datura and related products. During the investigation, officials reportedly found datura fruits, seeds and other related products being offered for sale online.
The department also found that some of the listings were associated with food registrations, raising further concerns because a poisonous plant was effectively being offered under a food category.
FDA Commissioner Srinivas K said the department checked online portals following the complaint and summoned their representatives for an inquiry.
Amazon, Swiggy Instamart And BigBasket Face FDA Action
Following its investigation, the FDA ordered the suspension of the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket and directed the platforms to remove listings and advertisements for datura. The department also instructed the platforms to stop selling or distributing datura as a food product.
Officials said the platforms provided different explanations during the inquiry.
Swiggy Instamart said it was carrying out an internal audit, while BigBasket identified the seller involved in supplying the fruit.
BigBasket reportedly told the FDA that the datura fruits had been sourced from farmers in Malur.
Over 6,400 Datura Fruits Reportedly Sold
The scale of the listings also emerged during the investigation. According to information provided by BigBasket to the FDA, 6,432 datura fruits had already been sold, while a further 1,220 fruits remained in stock at the time of the inquiry.
Amazon, meanwhile, reportedly did not respond to the department’s inquiry.
However, the regulatory action did not immediately result in all listings disappearing. When the platforms were checked on Tuesday, datura fruits, seeds and powders were reportedly still available on two of the three platforms until noon.
What Is Datura And Why Is It Dangerous?
Datura, commonly known as thorn apple, belongs to the nightshade family and contains toxic compounds. Consumption can cause serious poisoning, altered consciousness and coma. Severe poisoning can also be fatal.
The presence of datura in a food-related delivery therefore raised serious concerns about how such products were being classified, listed and supplied to consumers.
FDA Gives Karnataka Food Businesses 15 Days To Fix Safety Lapses
In a separate food safety initiative, the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration has also directed food businesses across the state to correct food safety, hygiene and sanitation deficiencies within 15 days.
The direction followed a special inspection drive that detected violations at several establishments.
In an advisory issued on August 20, the department instructed food business operators to ensure that they maintain valid FSSAI licences, use safe and good-quality ingredients, properly procure and store raw materials and immediately segregate and dispose of expired food products.
Kitchen Hygiene, Pest Control And Food Labelling Under Scanner
The FDA advisory also highlighted several other areas requiring attention.
Food businesses have been asked to maintain:
- Clean and hygienic kitchens
- Effective pest control
- Proper temperature management
- Personal hygiene among food handlers
- Safe water and ice
- Correct food labelling
- Proper waste disposal
Businesses have also been instructed to maintain records related to procurement, storage, cleaning, pest control and staff training and cooperate with food safety officials during inspections.
Re-Inspections Planned After 15-Day Deadline
The 15-day compliance period will be followed by re-inspections by food safety officials.
Establishments found continuing to violate food safety requirements could face legal action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and applicable regulations.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Consumers can verify the safety of online food products by closely examining the date print for smudges, odd alignment, or different fonts. They should also look for the ‘Jaivik Bharat’ logo and an accreditation or certification number for organic products. Additionally, consumers are encouraged to report unsafe food or poor handling practices through the Food Safety Connect mobile application.
Ask News18August 27, 2026, 12:01 AM IST
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