Tirupati: The ongoing controversy surrounding the distribution of laddus at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple continues to escalate, with political tensions flaring. In a significant development, the Union Health Ministry has issued a show cause notice to a Tamil Nadu-based company, M/s AR Dairy Food Private Limited, after one of its ghee samples failed a quality test due to adulteration.
The Ministry’s action follows an investigation prompted by complaints regarding the quality of ghee used in the temple’s prasadam (offering). Reports indicate that the Health Ministry had collected samples from four suppliers, with only one passing the quality standards. The company in question has been notified that its products do not meet the required food safety regulations.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also stepped in, issuing a notice to the company, reminding it of its obligations under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006. The FSSAI license for AR Dairy Food is valid until June 1, 2029, but due to the recent findings, the company has been blacklisted by the Executive Officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
In response to the controversy, the TTD’s ghee procurement committee has sent samples to the NDDB Calf Lab in Anand, Gujarat, for further testing. As investigations unfold, the situation has become politically charged, with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu alleging that animal fat was used in the desi ghee for the temple’s prasadam.
The dispute has now escalated to the Supreme Court, where a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed by Surjit Singh Yadav, President of Hindu Sena, calling for the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations further.
As the controversy continues, both the current and former state governments are at odds over the issue, raising concerns about food safety and the integrity of offerings at one of India’s most revered temples.