Bengaluru, Karnataka Minister U T Khader on Wednesday sought action against a Central food safety official for allegedly failing to act within 24 hours on the state’s request to suspend e-commerce platforms’ licences over the sale of poisonous Datura fruits and seeds.
He announced that government hostels would be directed to prioritise food products with at least three months of shelf life remaining at the time of purchase. “If the system has to function properly, all officials must work properly. Otherwise, our department may work hard, take action against even powerful people and companies in the public interest, and issue directions.
The minister said the state had written to the Central designated Food Safety Officer in Bengaluru seeking cancellation of the licences, but no action had been taken even after 24 hours. The minister said around 2,100 pieces of Datura-related material had been seized, but the sellers had failed to disclose its source despite repeated questioning.
Khader said the state sought cancellation of the licences after its officials found Datura being supplied as a “complimentary item” with food through online platforms. If officials simply sit idle instead of acting on those directions, can we improve the food system with such officials?” the state Health Minister said. The minister said the state would seek changes to the rules governing Central-licensed e-commerce companies to give Karnataka greater enforcement powers.
He said the government was examining complaints about chemicals allegedly being sprayed on vegetables to keep them looking fresh for longer.
