Tirupati Laddu Controversy: Devotee Finds Tobacco in Sacred Prasadam

Tirupati Laddu Controversy: A new controversy has emerged regarding the prasadam (sacred offering) at the Tirupati temple. Following allegations of substandard ghee and animal fat in the famous Tirupati laddus, a devotee has reported finding a packet of gutkha and traces of tobacco in the prasadam.

Devotee's Discovery

Donthu Padmavati, a resident of Khammam district, shared her shocking experience after visiting the temple on September 19. She found pieces of tobacco wrapped in a small paper while preparing to distribute the laddus. “The prasadam is supposed to be sacred, and to find such contamination is heartbreaking,” she expressed.

Regulatory Action

In response to the ongoing issues, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a show cause notice to A R Dairy Food Private Ltd, a Tamil Nadu-based supplier, for allegedly providing substandard ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). This notice comes amid calls for a thorough investigation into the use of animal fat in the laddus.

Government Response

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team to look into these allegations. The FSSAI’s notice points out that A R Dairy has been supplying ghee to TTD for the past four years and urges the company to explain why its license should not be suspended.

Testing and Purification Ritual

The ghee samples supplied to TTD have been sent for testing to the NDDB CALF Lab in Gujarat. Additionally, a four-hour purification ritual was conducted at the temple to appease Lord Venkateswara Swamy in light of these serious allegations regarding the ingredients used in the laddus.

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The situation continues to develop as authorities and temple officials work to address the concerns surrounding the prasadam. Devotees are hopeful for a resolution that maintains the sanctity of the offerings at this revered site.