The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Thursday released a lab report “confirming” the purported presence of animal fats – lard (clarified pig fat), tallow (beef fat), and fish oil – in Tirupati laddu prasadam under the former YSRCP regime in Andhra Pradesh.
Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy, TDP spokesperson, released the lab findings during a news conference.
It has caused a huge uproar around the state and the country as the laddu prasadam is revered by devotees. While, YSRCP has denied the allegations, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu has doubled down on the allegations. He told his NDA allies in the state – BJP and Jana Sena – that the ghee used during the Jagan Reddy-led government contained “foreign fats”.
What is Beef tallow?
Tallow is derived from cuts of beef such as rib, rump, and steak, or by melting the fat skimmed from meat. Once melted, it becomes a liquid that solidifies upon cooling, forming a soft, butter-like texture at room temperature. Beef tallow, in particular, is valued for its ability to withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for frying and roasting. It also finds applications in soap and candle production.
What is lard – clarified pig fat?
Lard is composed entirely of animal fat, typically sourced from pork, and is separated from the meat during processing. It is commonly produced through rendering, a method where the fatty portions of the pig-such as the belly, shoulder, and butt-are slowly cooked to melt the fat. The liquid fat is then drained from the meat, and once cooled, it solidifies into a smooth, opaque substance. Depending on the method of processing, lard may retain a slight pork flavour.
What is fish oil?
Fish oil is extracted from the tissues of oily fish and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. These acids act as precursors to eicosanoids, which help reduce inflammation and improve conditions like hypertriglyceridemia. However, the 21st century has seen ongoing debate regarding the effect of fish oil on cardiovascular health, with recent meta-analyses yielding conflicting results. Interestingly, fish do not produce omega-3 acids themselves but accumulate them by consuming microalgae or smaller prey fish rich in these nutrients. While predatory fish such as sharks, swordfish, and albacore tuna are high in omega-3, they can also accumulate harmful toxins due to biomagnification.
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