Amidst allegations of animal fat being used in the preparation of Tirupati’s famous laddu prasadam, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) temple conducted a four-hour purification ritual to appease Lord Venkateswara[1].
After the ritual, TTD Executive Officer J. Shyamala Rao assured devotees that their concerns regarding the temple’s prasadam have been addressed and the sanctity of the prasad has been restored[1].
Food Safety Regulator Issues Show-Cause Notice
India’s food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has issued a show-cause notice to a Tamil Nadu company, AR Dairy Food Pvt Ltd, for allegedly supplying ghee to the temple authority[1]. The FSSAI has demanded a thorough investigation and strict action on the claims of animal fat being used in the laddus[1].
CM Announces Special Investigation Team
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team to investigate the claims of animal fat being used in the laddus. However, YSRCP MP YV Subba Reddy, a former TTD chairman, denied the allegations and demanded an inquiry by an independent committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge.
FSSAI Approaches AR Dairy Food Pvt Ltd
The FSSAI has approached AR Dairy Food Pvt Ltd regarding the possible suspension of its central license due to a violation of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011. The notice was prompted by information from the director of the Institute of Preventive Medicine in Mangalgiri, Andhra Pradesh, which showed that AR Dairy Food Pvt Ltd has been supplying ghee to TTD for the past four years.