Thu Sep 19 18:08:37 UTC 2024: ## Tirupati Laddu Controversy Erupts as Lab Report Claims Use of Substandard Ingredients

**Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh:** A major controversy has erupted in Andhra Pradesh after a lab report allegedly revealed the presence of “beef tallow, fish oil” and other substandard ingredients in the world-renowned Tirupati laddu, a consecrated sweet offered at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) claims the lab report, dated July 16, 2024, from a Gujarat-based livestock laboratory, confirmed the use of animal fat including lard, and fish oil in the ghee used to make the laddus. TDP spokesperson, Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy, highlighted the report’s findings, stating, “The S value is only 19.7, which indicates the presence of these substandard ingredients.”

Reddy further criticized the alleged use of animal fat as an affront to the Hindu religion. “The ‘prasadam’ which is offered to the Lord thrice a day has been mixed with this ghee…We hope that justice will be done and Lord Govind will forgive us for whatever mistakes that have been committed,” he said.

The controversy began on September 18 when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu accused the previous YSRCP government of using substandard ingredients and animal fat in the production of Tirupati laddu. The YSRCP has vehemently denied these allegations.

Neither the Andhra Pradesh government nor the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple, has confirmed the findings of the lab report. The controversy has triggered outrage among devotees and has become a major political issue in the state.

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