New Delhi: Amid a massive row over alleged use of animal fat in ghee used to make Tirupati laddus, Union Food Minister Prahlad Joshi on Friday termed the matter a “serious issue” and called for a thorough probe and strict punishment for culprits.
The controversy erupted after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu cited a Gujarat lab report to allege that ghee used to make laddus offered as ‘prasadam’ to the deity at the Tirupati temple, and to devotees contained traces of beef tallow, fish oil, and pig fat, or lard.
Speaking to reporters over the row, Joshi said, “Whatever the Andhra Chief Minister has said is a matter of serious concern. A detailed enquiry is required and the culprit should be punished.”
The Tirupati Prasadam issue is a very serious matter and should be thoroughly investigated and the guilty punished. pic.twitter.com/EDcuBc6MIJ
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) September 20, 2024
Centre of Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food, or CALF, a state-run livestock laboratory in Gujarat, in its July report indicated the presence of animal fat in the ghee used to make Tirupati laddus. The adulteration allegedly took place when the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress Party was in power in the state.
Health Ministry seeks report from Andhra CM
Meanwhile, Union Health Minister JP Nadda said that he has spoken to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister over the issue and sought a detailed report on the allegations that animal fat was found in the Tirupati laddus. “I have spoken to Chandrababu Naidu regarding the matter and sought a detailed report. We will take whatever steps are necessary within the ambit of the law,” Nadda said.