Govt seeks report from Andhra over Tirupati Laddoo controversy

Union Health Minister JP Nadda has sought a detailed report from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu regarding the allegations of using animal fat and other sub-standard ingredients in the preparation of the famous Tirupati laddoos. Nadda assured that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) will examine the report, and appropriate action will be taken based on its findings.

The controversy erupted when Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government of allowing the use of sub-par ingredients, including animal fat, in the laddoos distributed as prasad to devotees at the Tirumala temple. A Gujarat-based livestock laboratory, NDDB CALF Ltd, confirmed the presence of animal fats, including lard (pig fat) and fish oil, in the ghee samples used for the laddoos. The report, dated July 16, 2024, revealed the receipt of samples on July 9, 2024.

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy shared the findings publicly, asserting that beef tallow and lard were used in the prasad preparation, creating widespread public outrage.

In response, the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as politically motivated. YSRCP leader and Rajya Sabha member Subba Reddy accused Naidu of tarnishing the sanctity of the Tirumala temple and the faith of millions of Hindus, dismissing the claims as "malicious" and driven by political motives.