Tirupati Laddu Controversy: Alleged Use of Animal Fat Sparks Row

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) claims that a Gujarat-based livestock laboratory confirmed the presence of beef tallow, pig fat, and fish oil in Tirupati laddu ghee samples. The TDP presented a lab report, while the Andhra Pradesh government and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams have not officially confirmed it. The opposition YSR Congress Party denies the allegations.

Amid the controversy over the alleged use of substandard ingredients and animal fat in the preparation of the world-renowned Tirupati laddu, the ruling Telugu Desam Party on Thursday claimed that the adulteration has been confirmed by Gujarat-based livestock laboratory, NDDB CALF Ltd on the ghee samples.

TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy in a press conference displayed the purported lab report which apparently confirmed the presence of 'beef tallow' in the given ghee sample.

The purported lab report also claimed the presence of 'lard' (relating to pig fat) and fish oil in the samples. The sample receipt date was July 9, 2024 and the lab report was dated July 16. However, there was no official confirmation on the lab report from either the Andhra Pradesh government or the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the famous Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple. CALF (Centre for Analysis and learning in Livestock & Food) is a multidisciplinary analytical laboratory at NDDB (National Dairy Development Board) based in Gujarat's Anand.

Andhra Chief Minister and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu had on Wednesday alleged the previous YSRCP government had used substandard ingredients and animal fat in making Tirupati laddu, a consecrated sweet. The allegation has been vehemently denied by the opposition YSR Congress Party.

(With inputs from agencies.)