Food Safety / Sweet Shops See Subdued Sales on Raksha Bandhan as Customers Shy Away Over Adulteration Fears

Bhubaneswar, Aug 27: Sweet shops in Bhubaneswar are witnessing subdued sales ahead of Raksha Bandhan, with customers reportedly wary of buying sweets following reports of raids on paneer and cottage cheese sellers over suspected adulteration.

Several sweet shops across prominent areas of the capital, including Rajmahal Square, Keshari Chhak, Saheed Nagar, Nayapalli and Unit-9, have reportedly seen fewer customers.

Shopkeepers had prepared a variety of sweets for Raksha Bandhan, but many said the expected rush has not materialised.

Customers are reportedly concerned about the quality of sweets available in the market and are questioning whether sweets are being prepared using adulterated cottage cheese. Some have also expressed concerns about possible health risks.

Instead of sweets, some customers are opting for fruits, biscuits and cakes. Others said they were buying only small quantities of sweets as part of the Raksha Bandhan tradition.

Also Read: Food Safety Crackdown Exposes Stale Sweets in Bhubaneswar

A customer said, “The prices are quite high amid the quality checks being conducted at various sweet shops. However, I still have to buy sweets for Raksha Bandhan.”


Bijay Kumar Barik, a sweet shop owner, said, “Every year, Raksha Bandhan brings good business for us. However, this year has been a big disappointment. Sales are low due to the price hike. The main reason for the price rise is the quality-check raids over suspected adulteration of cottage cheese and paneer.”

Sweet shop owners said concerns over suspected adulteration, coupled with higher prices, have affected customer sentiment and contributed to slower sales during the festive season. With consumer confidence taking a hit, sweet shop owners fear the subdued demand could further affect their festive-season business.