GovernanceFood Safety
News 24 of 26

FSSAI Central Licence Mandatory for E-Commerce Food Sales: Karnataka Suspends Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket Over Datura Sale

Target:MPSCUPSC GS-IISSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
25 Aug 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006Central LicenceDatura fruits/seedsKarnataka State Food and Drug Administration (KSFDA)
Bodies:FSSAIKarnataka State Food and Drug Administration (KSFDA)
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.Karnataka suspends food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, BigBasket over sale of toxic datura fruits/seeds.

2.Under FSSAI Act, 2006, e-commerce platforms facilitating food orders require Central Licence irrespective of turnover.

3.Suspension not permanent; platforms must submit compliance reports; authorities must give hearing before revoking.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

Karnataka suspended food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket for selling toxic datura fruits/seeds. This highlights the regulatory framework under FSSAI requiring e-commerce platforms to hold Central Licences as Food Business Operators. The suspension could impact food sales operations in the state.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Regulating ActFood Safety and Standards Act, 2006
Licensing AuthorityCentral Licensing Authority (FSSAI)
State Action byKarnataka State Food and Drug Administration (KSFDA)
Product InvolvedDatura fruits and seeds (toxic)

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Regulating Act: Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
  • ›Licensing Authority: Central Licensing Authority (FSSAI)
  • ›Target this Data: Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 - year and name
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Central Licence requirement for e-commerce FBOs irrespective of turnover

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which Act requires e-commerce platforms selling food to obtain a licence?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements:

1. E-commerce platforms that merely provide a directory or listing of food businesses are exempt from FSSAI licence.

2. Karnataka has permanently suspended the food licences of Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket.

3. The suspension order specifies the exact licence numbers and premises covered.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

Under FSSAI rules, what type of licence must e-commerce Food Business Operators obtain irrespective of their turnover?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the immediate action required from Amazon, Swiggy Instamart, and BigBasket following the Karnataka suspension order?

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