200 kg of unhygienic peda found near Vrindavan’s Banke Bihari Temple; Authorities launch strict crackdown

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have launched a major crackdown on unhygienic sweet shops operating near the famous Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan during the ongoing Purushottam Mas celebrations.

The Food Safety Department carried out surprise inspections around the busy temple area after concerns were raised over food hygiene and safety as thousands of devotees continue to visit the holy town every day.

Surprise Raids Conducted Near Shri Banke Bihari Temple Area

The special inspection drive was launched across Mathura district under the supervision of senior food safety officials and on the instructions of the District Magistrate.


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Food Safety Officer Jitendra Singh reportedly led raids at several sweet shops located near Vidyapeeth Crossing, close to the temple.


During the checks, officials found multiple shops storing and selling pedas and other sweets in open and unhygienic conditions. Authorities also noticed that several shops had failed to display mandatory price lists for customers.

Around 200 Kg Of Peda Found Stored In Poor Conditions

What alarmed officials most was the way the sweets had allegedly been stored.

Around 200 kilograms of peda were reportedly found packed inside contaminated plastic sacks and kept in unsanitary surroundings, raising serious concerns over food safety standards in one of Vrindavan’s busiest religious spots.

Following the raid, shopkeepers destroyed nearly 200 kilograms of the sweets on the spot in the presence of officials.

Enforcement action was also initiated against the businesses for allegedly violating food safety regulations.

Several Sweet Shop Owners Face Action

According to officials, action was taken against shops run by Sonu Kajalwala, Rakesh Sharma, Omprakash Baghel, Vishnu Baghel, Priyavallabh and Hari Shankar Saini at Vidyapeeth Crossing.

The operation later gained attention online after Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) highlighted the raid on social media platform X.

The food regulator said strict action had been taken against unhygienic food practices and confirmed that nearly 200 kilograms of sweets were destroyed because of poor storage conditions and lack of cleanliness.

Authorities Send Strong Warning To Food Businesses

Officials say the crackdown is part of a wider effort to ensure safe food for pilgrims visiting temple towns during major religious events and festive gatherings.

The latest action also sends a clear warning to food business operators that hygiene violations and unsafe storage practices will not be ignored, especially in high-footfall religious areas like Vrindavan.