Tirupati Laddu row: Report sought on issue, suitable action will be taken after FSSAI probe, says Health Minister J P Nadda

New Delhi: As the controversy on the use of animal fats in Tirupati laddu flared up, Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Friday said he sought the Andhra Pradesh report, which would be examined by the apex food regulator before any action is taken.

Nadda said he spoke to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and asked for the report that was shared by the Telugu Desam Party. Union Food Minister Prahlad Joshi also called for an investigation.

“I spoke to Chandrababu Naidu today and asked him to share the available report so that I can examine it. I will also speak to the state regulators and take their views. Suitable actions will be taken as per the FSSAI rules,” Nadda said at a press conference to flag the 100 days achievements of Modi 3.0 government.

A day before Naidu claimed animal fat was used for making Tirupati laddus during the previous Jagan Mohan Reddy government, triggering a massive political row with the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party hitting back at Naidu. TDP had circulated a laboratory report to back up its claims.

Joshi too has demanded an investigation into the allegation. "Whatever the Andhra chief minister has said is a matter of serious concern. A detailed inquiry is required and the culprit should be punished," he said on the sidelines of a global food regulators' summit in Delhi.

On the health front, Nadda said the Union government in October would roll out the programme to include people above 70 years in the Ayushman Bharat programme. Also a digital dashboard on mother and child immunisation will be unveiled next month.