Food minister calls for investigation into Andhra Pradesh chief minister’s allegations about use of animal fat in Tirupati Laddu

During a meeting of the NDA faction on Wednesday, Naidu alleged that the previous government under YS Jagan Mohan Reddy did not even spare the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirupati and used substandard ingredients and animal fat to make laddus.

TDP spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy, addressing a press conference in Amaravati on Thursday, claimed that the adulteration was confirmed by a livestock laboratory in Gujarat based on the ghee samples provided by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the famous Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple.

He showed the alleged lab report which apparently confirmed the presence of “beef tallow”, “alluvial lard” and “fish oil” in the given ghee sample. The sample receipt date was July 9, 2024 and the lab report was dated July 16.

However, there was no official confirmation of the lab report from either the Andhra Pradesh government or the TTD. YSRCP leaders have denied the allegations. Health Minister JP Nadda, who was also present at the event, said he would raise the issue during a press conference later in the day.