Andhra Pradesh: Srisailam Temple Authorities Deny Claims Of Cockroach Found In Laddu Prasadam

Authorities at the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh have firmly denied allegations that a cockroach was found in the laddu prasadam distributed to devotees, according to The Hindu report.

Responding to claims made by a devotee, the temple management clarified, “The laddu prasadam-making process is done in a clean and hygienic environment and there is no scope for any lapses and the ingredients used in the making are also of good quality.”

The devotee had alleged that upon finding a cockroach in his laddu, temple staff confiscated it and advised him to escalate the matter to higher officials.

However, temple executive officer M Srinivasa Rao dismissed the allegations, explaining that laddus are prepared strictly according to temple traditions in a hygienic setting.

“Quality ingredients are used in making prasadam and the quality of ingredients is regularly supervised by the officials,” he said.

Detailing the preparation process, Rao noted that boondi is first fried in hot ghee and then mixed with hot jaggery syrup, before being carefully dried and shaped into laddus.

“All the staff involved in making of laddu wear head caps and gloves. Special fans are installed to dry the boondi before it is made into rounds,” Rao said, adding that CCTV cameras monitor the entire procedure.

Highlighting the temple’s commitment to hygiene, Rao stated that the laddu preparation unit, known as the ‘potu’, undergoes thorough cleaning using chemical agents.

“There is no possibility of cockroach coming in the laddu. The temple has also got ISO 22000: Food Safety Management System for maintaining high standards in laddu making,” he clarified.

Recalling a similar incident, Rao said that there were reports of a bone found in pulihora prasadam in February last year and the same were proven wrong.

Urging restraint, he appealed to devotees, stating, “It is unfortunate that some incidents are taking place hurting the sentiments of the devotees. We urge the devotees and people to maintain restraint and take up any inconvenience or problems to the notice of the EO and concerned heads of departments.”

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