Tirupati laddu controversy raises questions over ghee adulteration in India

The Tirupati laddu controversy has emerged after Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu alleged that animal fats were present in the ghee used for the laddus during the previous administration. A lab report indicated possible contamination with beef tallow and lard. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has issued a notice to A.R. Dairy, a ghee supplier, for providing substandard products. The dairy denies the claims, while the Supreme Court stated there is no evidence of animal fat in the laddus during the previous regime. Lab reports showed that the tested ghee samples did not meet purity standards, indicating potential adulteration. The controversy highlights ongoing issues with ghee adulteration in India, often driven by economic factors.