BENGALURU: The Karnataka Food Safety and Drugs Administration Department has suspended the food licenses of Amazon, Big Basket, and Swiggy Instamart for listing and selling poisonous Datura (Dhatura) fruits and seeds on their platforms for human consumption.
The action comes after the department initiated an inquiry into the online sale of Datura products, following concerns over their availability to consumers through quick-commerce and e-commerce platforms.
The reported sale, including instances where Datura fruits were allegedly distributed as freebies, has raised concerns over the possibility of unsuspecting consumers mistaking the poisonous plant material for edible fruit.
Experts have warned that Datura is highly toxic and should not be consumed as food. Dr MJ Prabhu, subject matter expert, Karnataka State Medicinal Plants Authority, said Datura, known as Kanaka in Sanskrit, is an Indian medicinal plant but is “never sold as a fruit” and should not be consumed as one.
The plant contains toxic compounds, including atropine, and excessive consumption can cause severe intoxication, loss of consciousness and psychosis. Dr Prabhu said, “Only doctors, practitioners, pharmaceutical companies and farmers should have access to this.”
According to Dr Prabhu, Datura is used in certain Ayurvedic formulations, including those for severe asthma and bronchitis, but only after specific preparation and in precise doses, under expert supervision. He also said Datura supplied for religious purposes should carry a clear warning that it is “not an edible fruit” and should not be presented as a medicine. “We never recommend such items to be online for the public to consume,” he said.
Dr GR Smitha, principal scientist, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, said Datura remains green even when mature and has prominent, sharp spines. While its appearance is similar to rambutan, it could still confuse consumers unfamiliar with the plant. Datura contains tropane alkaloids such as atropine, scopolamine and hyoscyamine. Though these compounds have medicinal applications in carefully controlled quantities, excessive consumption can cause dry mouth, hallucinations, confusion and seizures.
“It is just like playing with the life of a person,” Dr Smitha said, warning against the unregulated availability of poisonous plant material.
Dr Aravinda SN, Lead Consultant – Internal Medicine, Aster RV Hospital, Bengaluru, said ingestion of datura fruit or seeds can affect the brain, heart and nervous system. Initial symptoms include dry mouth, intense thirst, dilated pupils, blurred vision, flushed skin and rapid heartbeat.