FSSAI Issues Notice to AR Dairy for Substandard Ghee in Tirupati Prasadam
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a show cause notice to AR Dairy Food Private Ltd, a supplier of ghee for making Tirupati Prasadam. The notice stated that the ghee sample from AR Dairy failed to meet the required standards.
Testing and Results
The Director Institute of Preventive Medicine in Andhra Pradesh reported that AR Dairy has been supplying ghee to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) for the past four years. The ghee samples were tested at the NDDB CALF Lab in Anand, Gujarat, and the results showed that the ghee did not meet the necessary parameters. Consequently, AR Dairy has been blacklisted by TTD.
Legal Implications
The FSSAI notice highlighted that the substandard ghee contravenes the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 and related regulations. AR Dairy has been directed to explain why their Central Licence should not be suspended. They must respond by September 23, or face further action.
Government Response
Union Health Minister JP Nadda addressed the issue, stating that he has discussed it with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and requested a detailed report. Nadda assured that the report would be examined and appropriate action taken.
Further Investigations
Former TTD Chairman YV Subba Reddy has approached the Supreme Court to form an independent committee to investigate the allegations of substandard ingredients and animal fat in the ghee. Additionally, the Temple Authority has set up a sensory panel to evaluate the food samples.
Political Controversy
On September 19, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu claimed that the ghee used in Tirupati laddoo prasadam during the previous YSRCP government contained animal fat, sparking a political controversy. Naidu has announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into these allegations.
Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple, where the prasadam is offered, is a Hindu temple located in the Tirumala hills of Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati district.
Doubts Revealed
FSSAI -: FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. It is a government organization that makes sure the food we eat is safe and healthy.
AR Dairy -: AR Dairy Food Private Ltd is a company that makes and sells dairy products like milk and ghee.
Substandard ghee -: Substandard ghee means the ghee is not good enough to meet the quality standards set by the authorities. It might not be safe or healthy to eat.
Tirupati Prasadam -: Tirupati Prasadam is a special food offering given to devotees at the Tirupati temple. It is considered very holy and is usually made with high-quality ingredients.
Blacklisted -: Blacklisted means that AR Dairy is banned or not allowed to supply ghee anymore because they did not meet the quality standards.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) -: TTD is the organization that manages the famous Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh. They take care of the temple and its activities.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda -: JP Nadda is a politician who was the Union Health Minister of India. He is responsible for health-related matters in the country.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu -: N Chandrababu Naidu is a politician who was the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, a state in India. He is the head of the state government.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions about laws and justice in the country.
Special Investigation Team (SIT) -: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is a group of experts formed to investigate serious issues. They look into the matter deeply to find out the truth.