There are reports of animal fat in the laddus offered as prasad at Tirupati Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has claimed that the ghee used to make Tirupati laddus offered at Tirumala Venkateswara Temple contains several substandard ingredients including ‘beef tallow’, ‘lard’ and fish oil.

The allegation is based on a lab report where samples of Tirupati laddu were sent for testing. The controversy erupted on September 18 when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the previous Jagan Reddy-led YSRCP government used substandard ingredients and animal fat in making Tirupati laddu.

However, YSRCP has rejected all the allegations. The lab report has found ‘beef tallow’, ‘lard’ and ‘fish oil’ as ‘foreign fat’ in the Tirupati laddu samples. Let’s understand what beef tallow and lard are and why there is so much fuss over their addition to the laddu and what effect they have on health.

What is Tirupati Laddu and why is there an uproar over the presence of animal fat in it?

Tirupati Laddu is a prasad that is known all over the world for its great taste and religious significance. The presence of animal fat in it has created a new controversy. Obviously, this has raised concerns about both health and religious beliefs. But what exactly are the “beef tallow” and “lard” that are allegedly found in Tirupati Laddu?

What is beef tallow?

Beef tallow is fat extracted from the fatty tissue of cows. Tallow is made by heating and melting fat separated from meat, which turns into a liquid form and becomes a flexible, butter-like solid when cooled to room temperature.

The matter of Tirupati Laddu deepens

YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy said that only Chandrababu Naidu has the mentality to use God for politics.

On the laddu controversy, Jagan said, Andhra CM Naidu is a person who can use even God for political gain

Accusation of adulteration in ghee to divert attention from Chandrababu Naidu’s election promise… pic.twitter.com/PJrkya4YLF

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 20, 2024

Health Effects of Beef Tallow

According to mayoclinic (Reference) The health effects of beef tallow are mixed. It contains high amounts of saturated fat, which increases the risk of heart disease and cholesterol. However, it is also believed that tallow can be beneficial for health as it is rich in vitamins A, D, K and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential nutrients for the body. However, experts recommend eating it in small quantities. Heart patients must consult a doctor before consuming it.

What is lard?

Lard is a soft, creamy white solid fat with a buttery texture. It is made by melting or rendering the fatty tissue of domestic pigs. Lard is used for cooking, such as frying, roasting, and baking.

What are the health effects of lard?

A study published on NCBI (ReferenceAccording to the , the health effects of lard are mixed. It is high in saturated fat, which can increase heart disease and cholesterol levels if consumed in excess. However, it is rich in vitamin D, which can be beneficial for bones and the immune system. Regular and excessive use of lard can lead to problems like weight gain and obesity, so it should be consumed in limited quantities.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.

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What is the animal fat, beef tallow and lard in Tirupati Laddoo that has created a ruckus?