Fake Pedas and Milk Cakes Sold as Prasad in Omkareshwar; Devotees Deceived in Name of Purity

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Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh: In a major crackdown, the Food Department raided a sweet shop in Omkareshwar that was selling adulterated pedas and milk cakes to devotees under the guise of “pure prasad.” During the operation, officials seized 300 kg of fake mawa pedas and 334 kg of milk cakes. The shop was immediately sealed after authorities found foul odor and extremely poor quality in the products.

Adulterated Sweets Passed Off as “Omkareshwar Prasad”
Khandwa District Food Officer Sanjeev Mishra revealed that the shop was selling stale and adulterated pedas and milk cakes at high prices. Devotees were misled into believing they were buying the authentic “Omkareshwar Prasad,” while in reality the products contained substandard mawa and artificial ingredients.

Collector Orders Strict Action
As soon as complaints reached Collector Rishabh Gupta, he instructed the Food Safety Officer and administrative team to conduct an immediate inspection. Samples collected during the raid showed foul smell and poor-quality ingredients. In total, 634 kg of counterfeit sweets, with an estimated market value of ₹2.85 lakh, were confiscated. Collector Gupta warned that the sanctity and reputation of the holy town will not be compromised and that strict legal action will be taken against those deceiving devotees.

Illegal Shop Built on Government Land
Further investigation revealed that the shop was constructed illegally on government land. Authorities are now preparing to demolish the unauthorized structure. The district administration also stated that other traders selling adulterated products will face continued surveillance and strict action in the coming days.

Food Samples Sent for Laboratory Testing
Samples of the seized mawa and milk cakes have been sent to the laboratory. Preliminary analysis suggests the use of artificial colors, fragrances, and stale mawa. Based on the final report, the shop owner will face action under the Food Safety Act.

Collector’s Advisory to Devotees
Collector Rishabh Gupta appealed to devotees and local citizens to check the quality of sweets or prasad before purchase. He urged immediate reporting to authorities if adulterated or stale products are found. Shopkeepers have been instructed to clearly display the preparation date and expiry details on products. The Collector emphasized that Omkareshwar is not only a pride of Khandwa district but a revered pilgrimage center for devotees nationwide, and any tampering with prasad will not be tolerated.