Union Health Minister asks for report on Tirupati laddoos 

Union Health Minister JP Nadda has asked Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for a "detailed report" on allegations there was animal fat in ghee used to make the Tirupati laddoos. The laddoos are 'prasadam' to the deity at the temple and are offered to crores of devotees who visit every year.

Meanwhile, Food Minister Pralhad Joshi called for a thorough inquiry. "Whatever the Chief Minister said is a matter of serious concern. A detailed inquiry is required and the culprit should be punished."

Addressing the reporters in New Delhi, Nadda said, “I spoke to him (Chandrababu Naidu) today and sought details from him. I told him that whatever report was available with him, share it with us.” He said that the report will be examined by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and action will be taken after that.

A massive controversy broke out earlier this week after N Chandrababu Naidu claimed that animal fat and other sub-standard ingredients were used to make Tirupati laddoos during the previous YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government.

On September 19, a Gujarat-based livestock laboratory, NDDB CALF Ltd, also confirmed that ghee used to make the laddoos offered to devotees as prasad at Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh contained animal fats and fish oil. The copy of the report was shared by ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) spokesperson Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy.

Meanwhile, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) rejected the allegation, terming them "malicious" and said that the TDP supremo would "stoop to any level for political gain".