TTD Signs MoU with CSIR-CFTRI to Strengthen Food Safety Standards for Srivari Prasadams
Tirupati, June 15 (TNT):In a first for India’s temple sector, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CSIR–Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI), Mysuru, to introduce scientific food safety and quality management systems for Srivari prasadams and other food offerings.
The agreement was held during the two-day RISE Conclave 2026 (Research, Innovation, Start-ups and Entrepreneurship) held in Bengaluru in the presence of Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi.
In a release, TTD said the collaboration aims to ensure that all food items and sacred prasadams prepared and distributed by the temple administration adhere to the highest standards of safety, nutrition and quality while preserving their traditional character and religious significance.
Under the partnership, TTD and CSIR-CFTRI will jointly develop and implement rigorous quality-control standards, standard operating procedures and monitoring mechanisms covering procurement, preparation and distribution of food and prasadam.
CSIR-CFTRI will also advise TTD on modernising storage, testing and procurement systems through scientifically validated technologies and best-practice workflows aimed at reducing contamination risks and improving consistency.
A key focus of the collaboration will be preserving the quality and authenticity of Srivari prasadam through research-based packaging solutions and shelf-life enhancement measures without affecting its traditional taste, texture or cultural value.
The institute will additionally provide structured training to TTD’s in-house food analysts and handlers in advanced analytical techniques, sampling protocols, contaminant detection, ghee purity testing and aroma profiling.
Senior scientists from CSIR-CFTRI will undertake regular visits to TTD facilities to support implementation of the project, validation studies and improvements in storage and procurement planning.
TTD officials said the initiative would help integrate scientific expertise with traditional temple practices, ensuring world-class food safety standards for the millions of devotees who visit Tirumala every year.
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