Tirupati Laddoo Row: TTD To Introduce In-House Adulteration Testing Facility Soon

Amid the row surrounding claims of 'animal fat' in the laddoos offered as prasadam at the Tirumala temple, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) announced steps to ensure stricter quality control measures.

TTD Executive Officer Shyamala Rao revealed plans to install an in-house adulteration testing machine, expected to be operational by December or January.

Photo Credit: X

This advanced equipment, donated by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), will ensure that the ghee used in the sacred prasadam meets food safety standards.

Rao, speaking to News18, said that the new testing equipment will enhance the temple's ability to monitor the purity of the laddoos.

"The machine will ensure the quality and purity of the ghee used in making laddus," Rao stated.

This move comes after allegations from the current TDP government accusing the previous YSRCP-led government under YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of using adulterated ghee containing animal fat during its tenure.

Although TTD has had its own lab-testing unit, Rao noted that the absence of advanced in-house testing equipment allowed some suppliers to exploit the situation.

He said, "The lack of quality control is due to not having an in-house lab, relying on external labs for testing, and unviable rates."

The new machinery being imported will allow for comprehensive testing across multiple parameters, providing more stringent quality checks. Random sampling of ghee and other raw materials will now be conducted both in external labs and the existing TTD laboratory.

The controversy erupted after TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy presented a lab report at a press conference on July 16, 2024, alleging that "beef tallow," lard, and fish oil were found in the ghee samples used for the laddoos.

These claims further fueled the debate over the purity of the prasadam, which holds deep religious significance for millions of devotees.

In response to the lab results, Rao confirmed that TTD had halted the supplies and begun the process of blacklisting the contractor responsible for the adulterated ghee.

He stated, "All four reports showed similar results, so we immediately halted the supplies and initiated the process of blacklisting the contractor. Penalties will also be imposed, and legal proceedings are set to begin."

The TTD is now revising its procurement process, issuing a new tender based on recommendations from an expert committee to prevent such issues in the future.

Rao reassured devotees that the sanctity of the laddoo prasadam has been restored, with measures in place to ensure its purity going forward.