The Tirupati temple trust announced on Friday that it has successfully "restored the sanctity" of its famous prasad, the Srivari laddu, amidst rising concerns about possible adulteration. In a statement on X, the trust reassured devotees, saying, "The divinity and purity of Srivari laddu is unblemished now. TTD is committed to protecting the holiness of Laddu Prasadam to the satisfaction of all the devotees."
The controversy began when the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) alleged that the ghee used to prepare the Tirupati laddus contained "beef tallow," "lard," and other inferior ingredients. This claim was supported by a lab report from samples sent for testing.
On September 18, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government of using substandard ingredients and animal fats in the preparation of the laddus. The YSRCP has categorically denied these allegations.
As evidence, TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy presented the lab report during a press conference, asserting that it confirmed the presence of "beef tallow," "lard," and "fish oil" in the ghee supplied to Tirumala. He pointed out that the quality score for the ghee was only 19.7.
Tirupati laddus are renowned globally for their taste and religious significance, making the claims about animal fat content particularly sensitive, raising questions about health and religious beliefs.
What Are Beef Tallow and Lard?
Beef tallow is the fat derived from bovine animals. It is produced by heating and melting the fatty tissue, resulting in a substance that solidifies into a butter-like texture when cooled. Traditionally, beef tallow has been used for cooking, candle-making, and as a lubricant.
Lard, on the other hand, is a fat obtained from pigs and is known for its creamy, buttery consistency. It is commonly used in cooking methods such as frying and baking.
Lab Report Details
The samples of the Tirupati laddu were sent to a livestock laboratory in Gujarat. The samples were received on July 9, 2024, and the report was dated July 16. The report allegedly indicated the presence of "lard," "beef tallow," and "fish oil."
Despite the lab findings, there has been no official confirmation from the Andhra Pradesh government or the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which oversees the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple.
Amul Denies Involvement
In response to the ongoing controversy, Amul, a leading dairy brand, clarified that it has never supplied ghee to the Tirumala temple. The cooperative society released a statement on X, stating, "We wish to inform that we have never supplied Amul Ghee to TTD." Amul emphasized that its ghee is made from pure milk and meets all quality standards.
The company further assured consumers that its production facilities are ISO certified and that all milk received undergoes rigorous quality checks, including adulteration detection as specified by FSSAI.
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How Did Tirupati Temple Laddus Get Adulterated With Animal Fat?
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