FSSAI Issues Show-Cause Notice to Ghee Supplier Over Alleged Adulteration in Tirupati Laddus

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a show-cause notice to A.R. Dairy Food Private Ltd, a company based in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, for allegedly supplying substandard ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The notice was issued following allegations that the ghee used in the preparation of laddus at the Tirupati temple contained adulterated ingredients, including palm oil and animal fat such as fish oil and beef tallow.

According to the FSSAI notice, the TTD had sent samples of the ghee supplied by A.R. Dairy Food Private Ltd to the NDDB CALF Lab at Anand, Gujarat, for testing. The lab analysis revealed that the samples did not meet the set standards for ghee, leading to the company being blacklisted by the EO of TTD.

The FSSAI notice stated that the company had contravened the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 and its related regulations by supplying ghee that did not meet the required standards. The regulator has asked the company to show cause as to why its central license should not be suspended for this contravention.

The issue came to light after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu alleged on September 18 that the previous Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government had used substandard ingredients and animal fat in Tirupati laddus. In response, Naidu announced a Special Investigation Team to probe these claims.

The controversy has sparked reactions across states, with Karnataka mandating testing of temple prasadam and specifying the use of only Nandini ghee for preparation. In Uttar Pradesh, the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has collected 13 samples of prasadam from prominent temples in Mathura for testing.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda had spoken to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on the Tirupati laddu issue and sought a report. The minister had stated that the matter would be examined by the FSSAI and suitable action would be taken.

The Supreme Court is also hearing a batch of petitions seeking a court-monitored investigation into the allegations. On September 30, the Court criticized Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for making public allegations before the investigation was completed. The Court expressed doubts about the independence of the Special Investigation Team formed by the State Government and sought the views of the Solicitor General of India on the desirability of a Central investigation.

Petitions have been filed by Dr. Subramanian Swamy, ex-TTD Chairman Y.V. Subba Reddy, Suresh Chavhanke, and Dr. Vikram Sampath. The Court will continue to hear these matters and provide updates on any further actions taken.

The FSSAI's action underscores its commitment to ensuring food safety and standards in India. The regulator's efforts aim to protect consumers from adulterated food products and maintain the integrity of temple offerings.

For more information on food safety regulations and standards in India, visit the Wikipedia page on Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.

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