Health Ministry seeks report on the issue of animal fat in prasad at Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati temple

Andhra CM claimed that animal fat was used for making Tirupati laddus during the previous Jagan Mohan Reddy government, triggering a political row

The Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said on Friday (September 20, 2024) that he has sought a full report on the issue of animal fat — beef tallow and fish oil in ghee — being used in preparation of laddus (prasad) that are served at Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati temple.

He added that the Government will further examine the matter and take suitable action. The Minister said that he has spoken to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on the issue.

“I got to know about the issue through social media. I spoke to Mr. Chandrababu Naidu today and asked to send the entire report,” said the Minister while addressing a press conference on the first 100 days of the Modi government’s third term. The Minister noted that action will be taken as per the food safety standards.

The Central Government maintained that they are in touch with the state regulators on the matter with Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi on Friday (September 20, 2024), stating that he has called for an investigation into the allegations made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister.

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“Whatever the Andhra Chief Minister has said is a matter of serious concern. A detailed enquiry is required, and the culprit should be punished,” he said on the sidelines of a global food regulators summit.

Earlier, Mr. Naidu claimed that animal fat was used for making Tirupati laddus during the previous Jagan Mohan Reddy government, triggering a political row with the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), which accused the Chief Minister of indulging in “heinous allegations” for political gains.

Mr. Naidu alleged that the former government compromised the sanctity of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirupati by using substandard ingredients and animal fat in the preparation of laddus.

Speaking on the issue, BJP MP GVL Narasimha Rao told reporters that Andhra Pradesh CM has made a revelation that there has been adulteration in the Prasadam of Tirupati temple. “This is not an issue of accusation but has been revealed from a test report. The faith of all the devotees has been hurt. We want action to be taken against those responsible for this,” he added.

Published - September 20, 2024 03:03 pm IST