The Tirupati Laddoo, known for its sacred value and distinct flavor, has recently been at the center of a major controversy. Allegations surfaced that the ghee used in preparing the prasad contained animal fats, including fish oil and beef tallow. These claims have led to an intense debate, especially after the involvement of Tamil Nadu-based A R Dairy Food Private Limited, a supplier of ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). However, A R Dairy has firmly denied these allegations, maintaining that the ghee they supplied was pure and met all necessary quality standards.
A R Dairy Denies Allegations of Adulteration
A R Dairy Food Private Limited, based in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, has strongly refuted any claims of adulterating the ghee supplied to the Tirupati temple. According to the company’s quality control head, there is no evidence linking the alleged contaminated ghee sample to their company. The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh had made lab reports public, claiming the presence of animal fats in the ghee used to prepare the laddoos, but A R Dairy insists that these reports do not point to their products.
The company has highlighted several factors to support their stance. First, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) lab test results, which were at the heart of the controversy, do not specifically identify A R Dairy as the source of the contaminated ghee. Furthermore, the NDDB report suggests the possibility of false-positive results, adding another layer of doubt to the accusations.
Traces of Foreign Fat: Understanding the Possibilities
In response to the allegations, A R Dairy’s quality control team explained that various factors could contribute to traces of foreign fat being found in ghee. For example, cow feed can sometimes contain materials that may affect the composition of the ghee produced from the milk. The company emphasized that the ghee they supplied to the TTD in June and July was thoroughly tested, and the temple authorities only accepted the products after receiving satisfactory test results.
The dairy company ceased supplying ghee to the temple after July when the TTD changed its vendors. A R Dairy clarified that they have no control over what happened after their last delivery and that their ghee was only one part of the supply chain, with multiple suppliers providing ghee for the temple’s prasad preparation.
A R Dairy’s Stand: No Animal Fat in Ghee
A R Dairy has firmly stood by its claim that the ghee samples tested could not have come from their company. The Managing Director of A R Dairy, Rajasekaran Raju, voiced his confidence in the quality of their product, stating that there is “no possibility of animal fat in the ghee” they supplied. He also pointed out that the Tirupati temple did not solely rely on A R Dairy for its ghee requirements. In fact, they were only one of several suppliers, providing a limited quantity.
“We are not the major supplier,” Rajasekaran Raju explained. “We supplied only four tankers of ghee and stopped after receiving a report about quality issues. Additionally, the temple used ghee from other vendors in the laddoo prasad preparation.”
The Forensic Science Laboratory Report: Questions Remain
The controversy heightened when the Andhra Pradesh government, led by TDP General Secretary Nara Lokesh Naidu, announced that forensic tests detected the presence of animal fats in the ghee. However, A R Dairy has consistently challenged the accuracy of these test results. Rajasekaran Raju argued that the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report is flawed and that A R Dairy has its own independent test results to prove the purity of their ghee.
The company also stated that they received communication from the TTD regarding the matter and responded promptly, but have yet to receive an official acknowledgment from the temple authorities. This lack of response has raised concerns about how the situation has been handled, with A R Dairy calling for greater transparency in the investigation process.
A R Dairy’s Commitment to the Tirupati Temple
A R Dairy’s relationship with the Tirupati temple goes beyond a simple business transaction. Rajasekaran Raju explained that their supply of ghee to the temple was a form of indirect donation. “We never overcharged the Tirupati temple for the ghee,” he said. “Instead of making a direct donation, we managed the cost of the ghee to offer it as an indirect contribution to the temple.”
This gesture highlights A R Dairy’s long-standing commitment to the temple and its practices. The company has expressed disappointment at the accusations, asserting that their role in supplying ghee has always been one of respect and reverence for the temple and its devotees.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for A R Dairy and Tirupati Temple
The Tirupati laddoo ghee controversy has left many questions unanswered, but A R Dairy has maintained a clear and consistent position: the ghee they supplied was not adulterated, and any claims to the contrary are unsubstantiated. While the controversy has cast a shadow over the temple’s sacred prasad, the dairy company is hopeful that further investigations will clarify the situation.
A R Dairy’s call for transparency and their willingness to cooperate with authorities suggests that the company is confident in its practices and the quality of its products. As the investigation continues, the focus will likely remain on identifying the true source of the contamination and ensuring that the sanctity of the Tirupati laddoo is preserved.
For now, the controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous quality control and transparent communication in the production of food that holds both spiritual and cultural significance.
