Nationwide Controversy Over Tirupati Laddu Prompts Ghee Quality Review

Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare addressed the controversy over Tirupati laddu, stating her department will wait for a report from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) before taking additional measures. The issue concerns allegations of substandard ingredients and has prompted actions in Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.

Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding Tirupati laddu's quality. Speaking during a media briefing on the Modi 3.0 government's 100-day achievements, she indicated that her department would await a report from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) before implementing any additional measures to monitor ghee quality in the market.

Khare emphasized that food safety is under FSSAI's jurisdiction, stating, 'We should all wait for the FSSAI to take action.' Addressing queries about potential pre-festive season checks on ghee, she noted, 'We will take more action if required, after the FSSAI report and provided there are consumer complaints on the National Consumer Helpline (NCH).' She clarified that food-related complaints on the NCH are usually forwarded to FSSAI for their expertise.

The controversy has elicited reactions across several states. Karnataka has mandated testing for temple prasadam and specified the use of only Nandini ghee for preparation. In Uttar Pradesh, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has collected 13 'prasadam' samples from prominent temples in Mathura for testing. The issue erupted after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu alleged substandard ingredients and animal fat in Tirupati laddus.

(With inputs from agencies.)