Tirupati food safety probes reveal adulterated ghee and expired goods

The Andhra Pradesh government ordered a departmental inquiry into officials of the Factories and Boilers Department over alleged bribes received from Sri Vaishnavi Dairy Specialities Private Limited. The inquiry, led by B. Umamaheswara Rao with Mohana Rao as presenting officer, will examine written explanations from seven serving and retired officials accused of facilitating the supply of adulterated ghee to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) for its famous laddu. The Special Investigation Team’s findings include a diary documenting regular payments to officials, prompting disciplinary proceedings.

Separately, the Municipal Corporation of Tirupati conducted surprise inspections of quick‑commerce warehouses operated by Blinkit and Instamart. Inspectors seized more than 600 kg of expired and spoiled items—including milk, curd, cooking oil, pulses, bread, snacks, beverages, frozen fish and chicken, and fungus‑covered vegetables—stored alongside fresh stock. Penalties were imposed, and operators were warned of possible licence cancellation for repeated violations of food‑safety norms.