Snacks sold on Amazon as ‘Ram Mandir’ prasad raises concern ; Probe on

In response to a complaint by a traders’ body, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Friday sent a notice to the online retailer Amazon Seller Services Private Ltd. alleging that multiple food companies were engaging in fraudulent online sales of “Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad.”

When officials looked at samples of these brands, which sold snacks like ladoo, they discovered that the label “prasad”—which refers to a consecrated offering to the deity from Ram Mandir in Ayodhya – was fraud.

According to a statement, these foods broke provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 2019 which prohibits deceptive claims and unfair business practices. Within a week, the CCPA has requested a response from Amazon regarding this.

The CCPA’s move coincides with preparations in Ayodhya for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at Ram Mandir on January 22. As the temple town prepares for millions of devotees to visit, it is anticipated to experience an economic boost.

Three of the four food products that the CCPA has targeted have the words “Shri Ram Mandir Ayodhya Prasad” on them. The fourth brand, however, does not use these words and instead markets its “ladoos” as a “memorable offering that can be taken to the deity in Ayodhya.” According to a senior official, even that could be subject to legal action.

According to CCPA, Amazon has only been contacted to clarify the products; no fines have been imposed on the company.