The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) in Mathura has taken a proactive approach to ensure food safety in religious sites, collecting 43 samples from 15 shops near temples in Mathura, Vrindavan, and surrounding areas. The sampling campaign focused on a variety of food items, including sweets and milk-based products, aiming to ensure their quality and safety for devotees. While 42 samples met the required standards, one ‘peda’ sample was sent to Lucknow for further testing. This action comes amidst heightened concerns regarding the purity and quality of prasadam offered at temples across India.
This situation has gained national attention after allegations surfaced in Andhra Pradesh regarding the use of substandard ingredients and animal fat in Tirupati laddus. These allegations sparked a political storm, with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu demanding a thorough investigation. He formed a Special Investigation Team to delve deeper into the claims, while the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a notice to A R Dairy Food Private Ltd, a supplier of ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), demanding an explanation for potential violations of food safety regulations. The notice stems from information received by the Director of the Institute of Preventive Medicine, Mangalagiri, indicating that A R Dairy Food Private Ltd has been supplying ghee to TTD for the past four years. The TTD’s ghee procurement committee had sent samples to NDDB CALF Lab in Anand, Gujarat, for testing.
The controversy in Andhra Pradesh highlights the importance of maintaining the sanctity and purity of offerings at religious sites. This has prompted authorities in other states to take similar measures. In Rajasthan, a drive was conducted to verify the purity of bhogs and prasadams at temples statewide, while Karnataka has mandated testing for temple prasadam and specified the use of only Nandini ghee in its preparation. This emphasis on food safety and quality control aims to instill confidence in devotees and ensure the integrity of religious offerings.
The investigation in Andhra Pradesh has led to a political tug-of-war between the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). The YSRC chief, Jagan Mohan Reddy, has accused Naidu of fabricating the allegations, while Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has urged Reddy to allow the law to take its course. The case underscores the sensitivity surrounding religious practices and the importance of maintaining trust and transparency in the administration of temples and the distribution of prasadam.
