Key Development 

For the first time, food samples—such as ingredients used in the iconic Tirupati laddoo prasadam and food served to devotees—can now be tested for quality directly in Tirumala. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) inaugurated a modern Food Quality Testing Laboratory on Tuesday. TTD Chairman B.R. Naidu and Executive Officer (EO) J. Syamala Rao officially opened the facility, calling it a milestone in the temple’s food safety efforts.

No More Delays in Food Testing

Previously, the TTD had to send food samples—especially ghee and prasadam ingredients—to labs in other states. This process delays analysis and complicates decision-making during food safety concerns or controversies. The recent laddoo ghee controversy exposed the urgent need for a local testing facility. Without in-house testing, TTD struggled to address concerns quickly and transparently.

Lab Equipped for Instant Adulteration Checks

Now, the newly opened lab enables immediate quality checks using advanced equipment like Gas Chromatography (GC) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). These machines can instantly detect adulteration and assess the quality of critical ingredients like ghee. “We had no way to test ghee quality here before,” said EO Syamala Rao. “Now, for the first time, we can verify purity on-site.”

NDDB Donation and Staff Training Boost Lab Efficiency

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) of Gujarat donated equipment worth ₹75 lakh to support the lab’s development. Additionally, TTD trained lab technicians and potu workers (who prepare prasadam) at the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysore to ensure accurate testing and data interpretation. With this facility in place, the TTD can now maintain higher food safety standards, reduce dependency on external labs, and reassure devotees about the purity and quality of the sacred prasadam they receive.

Source: The Print