Prabhu for setting up food testing labs at 'prasadam' distribution spots amid Tirupati laddu row
New Delhi (PTI): Former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu on Saturday called for setting up food testing labs by FSSAI at all public places where 'prasadam' is distributed to ensure quality, amid the Tirupati laddu row.
The cost of these testing labs can easily be borne by organisations who run such mass feeding programmes, he said.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's claim that animal fat was used in Tirupati laddus during the previous government triggered a massive political row, with the YSRCP accusing Naidu of indulging in "heinous allegations" for political gains and the TDP circulating a lab report to back its claim.
"To address issues arising out of #TirupatiPrasadam we must ensure at all public places where #Prasadam #food is distributed @fssaiindia set up food testing labs to ensure food distribution is in line with expectations of general public/ devotees,conforms to desired quality," Prabhu said in a post on social media platform X.
He added that random sampling of ingredients, served food ,testing reports can be displayed prominently on screen in real time.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a government's food regulatory body.
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Pilikula zoo to welcome penguins, Asiatic lion, yellow anacondas under animal exchange initiative
Mangaluru: Pilikula Biological Park is preparing to welcome a range of new species, including an Asiatic lion, penguins, and yellow anacondas, as part of an animal exchange program.
H. Jayaprakash Bhandary, the park's director, stated that the zoo will receive a male Asiatic lion, wolves, exotic birds, and gharial crocodiles from Nandankanan Biological Park in Odisha. In return, Pilikula will send dhole (wild dog), reticulated pythons, Asian palm civets, and Brahminy kites to Nandankanan.
Additionally, penguins native to South America will be brought from Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo in Mumbai, with Pilikula providing marsh crocodiles in exchange.
Yellow anacondas will be brought from the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust in Chennai, in return for Indian cobras and other venomous snakes from Pilikula.
Exotic birds from S.V. Zoological Park (Tirupati zoo), Andhra Pradesh will be exchanged for Asian palm civets and other animals.
Bhandary noted that the penguins will require a special enclosure to provide a supportive environment, which will be created with the help of CSR funds or donors. He added that the introduction of penguins will lead to an increase in the number of visitors to the zoo.
