TTD laddu controversy: Centre issues show cause notice to one of the ghee suppliers to Sri Venkateswara temple

NEW DELHI: The Union health ministry on Monday issued a show cause notice to the company that allegedly supplied adulterated ghee to Tirupati's Sri Venkateswara temple after it failed the quality test.

According to the ministry, it received samples from 4 companies, out of which adulteration was found in one company's sample.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the allegations about the adulteration of Tirupati Prasadam (laddus).

"We are forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising officers of IGP and above posts. The SIT will submit a report to the government and we will take action based on that report so that such things are not repeated," Naidu said.

Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu further stated, "I am taking three angles, first, purification, according to traditions. I am ordering an inquiry at the IGP level. Only those who have beliefs will be there in the management committee. Finally, we will prepare standard operating procedures for all the temples."

This comes almost a week after Telugu Desam Party cited a laboratory report supporting the claims made by Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu regarding the use of animal fat in the preparation of the renowned Tirumala laddu during the tenure of the previous government led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).

A lab test report confirmed the presence of animal fat in the ghee used to prepare the famous Tirumala laddu during the term of the previous YSRCP government led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.

According to the report, fish oil, beef tallow and lard were found in the sample of the prasad during the examination.

Earlier, Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu accused the previous YSRCP government of mixing animal fat in the ghee used to prepare the prasad during its term.

"They (YSRCP govt) have spoiled the quality of the free food service and did not even leave Lord Venkateswara's laddu by using substandard ingredients," he said.

Naidu said that he was astonished to find that poor-quality material was used to prepare Lord Venkateswara's 'prasadam.'
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