NEW DELHI: The ongoing controversy about the quality of Tirupati laddu ingredients has prompted action from various government bodies. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare stated that her department will consider further steps to monitor ghee quality only after reviewing the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) report. “We will wait for its report,” Khare highlighted during a media briefing.
Food safety falls under FSSAI’s jurisdiction, Khare clarified, urging patience for their action.In response to queries about potential checks on ghee quality before the festive season, Khare indicated more actions might follow post-FSSAI report and if consumer complaints arise through the National Consumer Helpline (NCH).
Khare clarified that food-related complaints received on NCH are typically forwarded to FSSAI for action due to their expertise.
This controversy has led to varied responses across states. Karnataka has mandated testing of temple prasadam’s quality and specified using only Nandini ghee for its preparation. In Uttar Pradesh, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) collected 13 samples of prasadam from major temples in Mathura for testing.
The issue surfaced after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu alleged on September 18 that the previous government had used substandard ingredients and animal fat in Tirupati laddus. Naidu then announced a Special Investigation Team to look into these claims.
As the issue continues nationwide, demands are growing for measures to protect the sanctity of temple prasadam.