Tirumala Ghee Row: NDDB Provides Advanced Lab Equipment to Detect Adulteration

The advanced equipment includes Gas Chromatography and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) systems, which will be instrumental in detecting adulteration in ghee and other essential commodities

Tirumala:The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) from Gujarat has delivered two state-of-the-art laboratory instruments, worth Rs 70 lakh, to ensure the quality of essential commodities used in the preparation of Srivari Laddu Prasadam and Anna Prasadam at Tirumala. The advanced equipment includes Gas Chromatography (GC) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) systems, which will be instrumental in detecting adulteration in ghee and other essential commodities, verifying their compliance with Food Safety and Standards Regulations (FSSR).

Need for upgradation

Concerns about the quality of ghee used in the Srivari Laddu Prasadam, especially during the tenure of the previous government, had raised eyebrows. Allegations of adulteration prompted the coalition government to implement stringent quality control measures.

According to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) EO Shyamala Rao, Tirumala lacked a proper laboratory for detecting adulteration, a gap that needed immediate attention. Recognising this, the NDDB stepped in to equip Tirumala with modern testing facilities to ensure the sanctity and quality of the prasad.

Advanced testing with GC and HPLC

Gas Chromatography and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography systems are cutting-edge technologies capable of identifying and quantifying impurities in food products. These devices will enable precise detection of adulterants, ensuring that the ghee and other materials meet stringent quality standards.

Ensuring purity

The introduction of these technologies aligns with TTD's commitment to maintaining the highest standards in the preparation of prasadam offered to Lord Venkateswara and his devotees. With these measures in place, devotees can now have greater trust in the purity and quality of the food served at Tirumala.