Bangalore Swiggy Instamart User Claims To Get 'Dhatura Fruits' as Freebie; Highlights Why it is Dangerous

A customer in Bengaluru has raised serious consumer safety concerns on social media, claiming to have received Dhatura (Datura) fruits as an unexpected promotional freebie in a recent delivery from quick-commerce platform Swiggy Instamart. Taking to social platform X (formerly Twitter), the customer highlighted that distributing highly toxic botanical items without explicit safety warnings or cautionary labels poses a severe health hazard to uninformed consumers.

Social Media Post Highlights Lack of Warning Labels

In a post shared online, the customer detailed their experience upon opening a grocery package delivered by the quick-commerce service.

"I placed an order with Instamart yesterday and recieved Dhatura fruits as a freebie. The pack had no warning sign that the fruit is not meant for consumption and is highly toxic. This is very irresponsible. Can be dangerous to those unaware," the user posted on X. ‘Swiggy Instamart Ruined Me!’: Delhi Man Embarrassed After Condoms Delivered in Transparent Bag.

The complaint sparked discussion online regarding quick-commerce delivery practices, with users emphasizing that delivering non-edible botanical items alongside food items without clear disclaimers could lead to accidental ingestion, particularly in households with children or pets.

Offered to Lord Shiva During Shivratri, But Highly Poisonous to Consume

Dhatura (Datura stramonium) holds traditional religious significance in Hindu rituals. It is widely known across India as a sacred offering presented to Lord Shiva during auspicious occasions, particularly during Maha Shivratri and regular puja ceremonies. Expired Eggs, Rotten Food, Unsafe Products: FSSAI Issues 9 Notices to Swiggy Instamart Over Consumer Complaints.

User Claims Receiving Toxic Dhatura Fruit as Freebie

'Highly Irresponsible'

However, despite its ceremonial use, Dhatura is extremely poisonous to consume. Every part of the plant-including its leaves, flowers, seeds, and spiky fruits-contains potent tropane alkaloids such as atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine.

Medical experts note that ingesting even small quantities of Dhatura can lead to severe toxicity, causing symptoms such as:

• Severe dry mouth and blurred vision

• High body temperature and rapid heart rate

• Delirium, hallucinations, and confusion

• Seizures, respiratory distress, or severe neurological complications in extreme cases

Industry Concerns Over Unlabeled Quick-Commerce Giveaways

Quick-commerce platforms frequently bundle complimentary items-ranging from seasonal produce to religious pooja items-to enhance customer engagement during promotional periods or festive seasons.

While such gestures are intended as added value, the incident has drawn attention to the need for strict quality control and regulatory labeling. Critics argue that when platforms distribute items meant purely for ritualistic or non-food purposes, packaging must clearly display bold disclaimers stating "For Ritual Use Only – Not for Consumption" to prevent dangerous misunderstandings.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2026 11:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).