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Synopsis

The Madras High Court at Madurai Bench has directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to issue a fresh notice to AR Dairy Food, allowing additional time for the company to respond to allegations of supplying adulterated ghee for the iconic Tirupati laddus.

The order was passed by the bench of Justice N Sathish Kumar on a plea filed by G Kannan on behalf of AR Dairy Food challenging the initial show-cause notice from FSSAI, questioning the quality of the ghee supplied.

Court observed that the FSSAI's show-cause notices were based solely on a report from a Gujarat-based laboratory, NDDB-Calf, without following due provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation 2011.

Court noted that NDDB-Calf is not recognized as a food safety officer under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Background of the Case

AR Dairy Food began supplying ghee for the Tirupati laddus on June 4, 2023, and initially received approval for four consignments in June by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple. However, four additional consignments were rejected in July without explanation, raising concerns. The company was subsequently issued a notice questioning why their contract should not be canceled and why they should not be blacklisted.

Supreme Court Intervention

In a related development, the Supreme Court constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations surrounding the ghee used for Tirupati laddus. The SIT will include officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Andhra Pradesh state police, and FSSAI. The team will be supervised by the CBI Director.

The Supreme Court emphasized the need for an independent investigation to ensure transparency, given the deep religious sentiments involved. "We don't want this to turn into a political drama. If there is an independent body, there will be confidence," the court remarked.

The allegations of adulterated ghee have sparked political controversy, with public statements made by leaders of the Andhra Pradesh government.

The Madras High Court's decision to order a fresh notice provides a temporary reprieve for AR Dairy Food as the case continues under judicial review.