Tue Sep 24 04:04:38 UTC 2024: ## Tirupati Laddu Adulteration Scandal: FSSAI Suspends Ghee Supplier License, Demands Explanation

The controversy surrounding the alleged use of animal fat in Tirupati laddus continues to escalate, with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) taking action against a Tamil Nadu-based ghee supplier.

FSSAI has issued a show-cause notice to A R Dairy Food Private Ltd, demanding an explanation for why its central license should not be suspended. The regulator cites information from the Director of the Institute of Preventive Medicine, Mangalagiri, that the company has been supplying ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) for the past four years.

Analysis conducted by the NDDB CALF Lab at Anand, Gujarat, revealed that ghee samples supplied by A R Dairy Food Private Ltd failed to meet the required standards. Consequently, the TTD blacklisted the company.

FSSAI has given the firm until September 23 to respond to the notice, failing which suitable action will be initiated under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 and Regulations.

The controversy sparked public outrage and calls for a thorough probe. Union Minister Chirag Paswan labelled the alleged use of animal fat as “worrying and condemnable,” promising stringent action against those involved.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the allegations, while various temple authorities across the country have implemented measures to ensure the purity of their prasadam.

The Supreme Court has also received multiple petitions on the matter. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy has called for a court-monitored inquiry, while former TTD Chairman and YSRCP MP Y V Subba Reddy, who denies the allegations, has requested a probe by an independent committee under a retired Supreme Court judge.

The VHP’s apex body has appealed to the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the allegations, demanding strict action to protect the sanctity of temples.

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