How safe are the special laddus of Tirupati?

The very special Tirupati laddus appear to be in a spot of bother because of safety concerns. It has come under scanner as FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) since an activist has indicated about serious lapses in preparation and distribution of these items.
The report states that items like nut, bolt, key chain, and pan parag covers have been found in the laddus.
This has been reported in timesofindia.indiatimes.com dated 14 November 2016.

These laddus that carry a GI certification are given as prasadam to devotees who visit the temple of Lord Venkateshwara/Balaji in Tirupti and have a unique taste for having been made of pure ghee. These are famous worldwide.
The petitioner has complained that the cooks who prepare these laddus in large quantity do not wear any proper dress and are found sweating due to heavy heat at the kitchen. They do not wear any hand glove, apron and other safety norms.
Moreover, when exposed for sale, these are supposed to be kept in clean vessels or plates made of glass or metal covered with enamel or tin lining, placed in glass cases provided with a fly proof wire guage at the top for ventilation. The food item must not be touched by hand and clean spoons or other accessories are to be used for serving them. None of this is followed.
Incidentally, the Tirupati laddus have a over 300-year-old history, and are believed to date back to early 18th century. It used to be sold as sweet boondi by Madras government before it took shape in 1940 as laddu with growing demand for prasadam ever since time immemorial.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org


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