Sat Sep 21 08:18:37 UTC 2024: ## Tirupati Laddu Controversy: Ghee Supplier Denies Use of Animal Fat, Calls for Probe

**Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh:** A controversy has erupted over the ingredients used in the famed Tirupati laddu, with allegations of animal fat being used in its preparation. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) cited a lab report claiming the presence of “beef tallow”, “pig lard”, and “fish oil” in the laddus offered at the Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirumala.

AR Dairy Food Private Limited, one of the suppliers of ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), has vehemently denied these allegations. The company, based in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, stated that it only supplied milk to the TTD in June and July and that all milk shipments were accompanied by accredited lab reports.

“There is no possibility of the presence of animal fat in the ghee,” said Rajasekaran R, director of AR Dairy. He added that the company exclusively uses cow milk for its ghee and each batch undergoes rigorous testing with laboratory reports available.

However, the company has questioned the Gujarat laboratory which produced the report, as its name has not been revealed. The official also demanded further analysis of the report.

Several other milk suppliers, including Amul, have also denied any impurities in their products.

The controversy has sparked a political row, with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu blaming the previous YSRCP government for initiating the alleged use of animal fat. Union Food Minister Prahlad Joshi has called for a probe into the matter, while Union Health Minister JP Nadda has requested a report from the Chief Minister.

The TTD, responsible for managing the temple and laddu production, is yet to issue a statement on the allegations. The controversy has caused widespread outrage among devotees, demanding clarification and action against those responsible for the alleged adulteration.

Read More