Tirupati Laddus Row: What is ‘Beef Tallow’?

What is Beef Tallow?

Beef tallow is made from rendered fat extracted from beef cuts like ribs, steaks, and rump roast.

What is the Controversy About?

A massive row erupted in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh after the current ruling party, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), claimed ‘beef tallow’, ‘lard’, and fish oil were added to the ghee that was used to prepare laddus at Tirupati temple.

What Did the Chief Minister Say?

Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Chandrababu Naidu, stated that animal fat was used instead of ghee in the laddus offered at Tirupati temple when his predecessor, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy led the government in the state.

What Did the Lab Report Say?

The spokesperson of TDP, Anam Venkata Raman Reddy displayed the purported lab report, which allegedly confirmed the presence of ‘beef tallow’ in the ghee sample.

YSRCP Denies Allegation

YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s party, the YSRCP, has denied all the allegations and said that CM Naidu’s allegations have undermined the hallowed nature of the deity and hurt the sentiments of the devotees.