TTD Makes Food Safety Certificate Mandatory for Tirumala Hotels

Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has made it mandatory for all hotels in Tirumala to obtain a food safety certification from the Food Safety department for continuing their operations.

Addressing a press conference in Tirumala on Friday, TTD executive officer (EO) J. Syamala Rao underlined that authorities will issue certification only after verifying each food outlet's adherence to safety and quality standards.

“The new regulations are aimed at ensuring that pilgrims receive clean, high-quality food, free from synthetic or banned colouring. It includes mandatory signage advising children under 12 years against using tasting salt,” the TTD EO underlined.

He said the Food Safety department will soon train hotel staff on hygienic cooking practices to be followed at eateries.

Syamala Rao said during July 22.13 lakh pilgrims had darshan of Lord Venkateswara. Hundi collections came to ₹125.35 crore. They sold 1.04 crore Srivari laddus. 24.04 lakh devotees had Annaprasadam. 8.67 lakh devotees got their heads tonsured.

Outlining the ongoing preparations for the upcoming Srivari Brahmotsavam scheduled from October 4 to October 12, the TTD EO said devasthanam officials have been instructed to complete all arrangements by the end of September to ensure a smooth experience for devotees.

Detailing recent devotee-friendly measures, he said they limited SRIVANI offline quota tickets to 1,000, so that more common pilgrims could have their darshan sooner.

Syamala Rao said steps have been taken to enhance the taste of Srivari Annaprasadam. They are ensuring continuous distribution of Annaprasadam and milk in queue lines and compartments.

“Three officers have been assigned to oversee provision of amenities to pilgrims in the queue lines. Measures have been initiated to eliminate brokers, improve Srivari laddu quality, and strengthen TTD's IT network,” he stated.

Earlier, during the “Dial Your EO” programme, Syamala Rao attended to 33 calls from pilgrims. The calls related to various matters including a review of TTD Kalyana Mandapams’ leasing policy, safeguarding TTD’s land in Tiruttani, addressing hygiene issues at Sapthagiri Rest House and offering darshan to para military forces through Supatham.

The EO assured callers that their suggestions will be reviewed by the departments concerned and appropriate decisions taken.