Did Tirupati temple violate FSSAI guideline as temple ladoos turn sour

Based on an RTI query filed by Bengaluru-based advocate T Narasimhamurthy, details have been sought on whether the laddu is being made under hygienic conditions.

The famous Tirupathi laddoo has left a sour taste in the mouth of the officials of the Thirupathi Thirumala Devasthana. Based on an RTI query filed by Bengaluru-based advocate
T Narasimhamurthy, details have been sought on whether the laddu is being made under hygienic conditions.

It is alleged by the RTI applicant that there have been deficiencies in manufacture, sale, distribution and storage of these laddoos. Narasimhamurthy claims that nuts, bolts and even ghutka covers have been found in these laddoos.

TTD is now faced with the dilemma whether to give in to the food safety and standards authority of India or adhere to their rituals of not allowing any outsider in the area where the 'prasadam' is made.

According to the FSSAI Act, any place serving or distributing food should follow the guidelines:

• Clean clothes to all those involved in manufacture and packing.
• Regular health reports of the cook
• Packaging should carry details of ingredients, date of manufacturing and expiry

Also mention the classification of food, whether vegetarian,non-vegetarian or egg basedThe RTI activist Narasimhamurthy has received a letter from the Director of Public Health and Food Administartion of Andhra Pradesh that the office of the TTD, has claimed that the laddoos cannot be defines as food as it is 'prasadam' for the pilgrims.