It is testing time for the Lord Balaji. The world famous TTD Laddu is for test. After the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam came under the ambit of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, it may soon be the turn of other famous temples in the state as the FSS Act defines these temples which offer ‘prasadam’ as food business Operators.
Recently, the FSSAI directed the TTD to procure a food licence and comply with all the rules and regulations, being an FBO, to distribute the laddu prasadam.
There have been frequent allegations of the declining quality of prasadam at various temples of the state. While this move from the FSSAI is expected to enhance the quality and hygiene of these holy offerings in a scientific way, some staunch traditionalists do not see the need for the FSSAI’s intervention to ensure the quality of prasadam.
The prime catalyst for the sudden turn of events was a complaint filed by Bengaluru-based RTI activist, T. Narasimha Murthy, who raised concerns over the quality of laddu prasadam of the TTD.
Deputy food controller K.N. Swaroop said that the FSS Act was applicable to all temples of the state. “All those temples, which offer prasadam, will come under the purview of the Act. The same order was issued to the TTD and directed them to obtain a licence,” Mr Swaroop added.
Sri Maha Lakshmi temple executive officer S. Jyothi Madhavi said that they do not have any objection with food safety officials carrying out quality checks. “But bringing the temples under the umbrella of FSS Act may not go down well with some people,” ms Madhavi added.
