The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) is set to receive advanced in-house testing equipment to ensure the quality and purity of ghee used for its renowned laddoos. Donated by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), this high-tech machinery is expected to be installed by December or January.
Although TTD already operates a laboratory, the new equipment will enable comprehensive testing to meet food safety standards, particularly in light of recent allegations regarding animal fat found in the laddoo prasadam. TTD Executive Officer Shyamala Rao stated that the machinery must be imported and the acquisition process is underway.
In the interim, TTD will conduct random sampling and testing of ghee and other raw materials. Rao explained that the existing laboratory will first evaluate ghee for sensory parameters, and if tests fail, samples will be sent to external labs for further analysis.
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Reports from lab tests have indicated the presence of animal fat and lard in certain samples. “All four reports of the samples gave similar results. So, we immediately stopped the supplies, and the contractor’s blacklisting was initiated,” Rao said, adding that penalties would also be imposed. A new tender will be floated based on recommendations from an expert committee to ensure stricter vetting of ghee suppliers.
The adulteration issue has prompted Union health minister JP Nadda to seek a detailed report from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, while Union minister of state for home Bandi Sanjay has called for a CBI inquiry. Rao noted that the absence of an in-house testing facility previously allowed suppliers to exploit the situation.
Lab tests from NDDB’s Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food revealed that a sample labeled as cow ghee did not meet FSSAI standards, indicating it was adulterated with various potential contaminants. One report showed that ghee samples had readings indicating high levels of adulteration.
“Pure milk fat should have a reading between 95.68 and 104.32, but all our ghee samples had values around 20,” Rao stated, highlighting the severity of the issue.
In response to complaints about the laddoos’ quality, the ruling TDP has formed a special committee, including experts from various institutions, to investigate. They collected samples from suppliers, including AR Foods, which has faced scrutiny for winning contracts at suspiciously low prices.
TDP spokesperson Anam Reddy questioned how AR Foods could supply ghee at Rs. 320 per liter when genuine pure ghee costs around Rs. 1,000. AR Foods, however, defended itself, claiming that none of the lab reports directly implicated them, and insisted their ghee meets quality standards.
Despite AR Foods’ claims, Rao asserted that the samples sent to NDDB were indeed from them, taken from tankers arriving in July. AR Foods stated that their ghee undergoes rigorous quality control and has FSSAI certification confirming its purity.
