From Our Correspondent
TIRUPATI: In a major step to strengthen food safety and restore devotees’ confidence in the iconic Srivari Laddu, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has established a state-of-the-art food testing laboratory at Tirumala with an investment of ₹25 crore.
The laboratory, developed with financial support from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and equipped with advanced instruments donated by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), will scientifically test the quality and purity of the Srivari Laddu and more than 60 raw ingredients used in its preparation.
The initiative assumes significance as the quality of the Tirupati laddu became a major political and public controversy last year following allegations that adulterated ghee had been supplied during the previous administration. The controversy sparked nationwide debate, prompting TTD to tighten quality control measures and introduce scientific testing at every stage of production.
The new laboratory is designed to ensure that only safe and high-quality ingredients are used in the preparation of the sacred prasadam.
Operating under the supervision of TTD Additional Executive Officer Ch Venkaiah Chowdary, the laboratory uses sophisticated equipment rarely found in religious institutions. Imported electronic Nose (e-Nose) and electronic Tongue (e-Tongue) systems detect spoilage and analyse taste profiles. Other advanced equipment, including Gas Chromatography, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry, can identify adulteration, pesticide residues, heavy metals and antibiotics in food samples.
Automated fat analysers and Bomb Calorimeters are also being used to verify the quality and fat content of the ghee used in the laddus, besides checking nutritional standards in every batch.
TTD is recruiting a dedicated team of trained food safety professionals for the laboratory. Scientists from the CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru, are providing technical support to help establish scientific testing protocols.
Officials believe the stringent quality control measures have already helped restore public confidence in the Srivari Laddu. During 2025-26, TTD distributed nearly 13.95 crore laddus, generating more than ₹567 crore in revenue.
The food testing laboratory is part of a broader modernisation drive undertaken by the present TTD administration over the past two years, focusing on transparency, technology and better services for pilgrims while preserving the temple’s traditions.
Officials say the laboratory will ensure that every laddu offered as prasadam meets strict food safety standards, reinforcing the trust of millions of devotees who visit the Tirumala temple every year.