₹25-cr Food Lab To Focus On Tirumala Prasadam Safety

Minister of Medicine and Health Satya Kumar Yadav said that the facility, equipped with advanced testing devices, including Electronic Tongue (e-Tongue) and Electronic Nose (e-Nose) machines imported from France, will become operational next month. Almost 90 percent of the installation work has been completed.

The laboratory will test around 60 raw materials used in the preparation of Srivari prasadam, including ghee, dry fruits, pulses, spices and sugar, as well as finished prasadam, food items and water provided to devotees. Procured at an additional cost of ₹ 3.5 crore, the e-Tongue and e-Nose systems can detect even the smallest quality changes and adulteration in ghee.

The project follows the directions of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. On the state’s request, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) sanctioned ₹ 23 crore. An agreement was signed between the State Health Ministry and FSSAI in New Delhi on October 8, 2024.

The renovated 12,000 square meter two-storey building on the Tirumala flour mill premises will house the laboratory. Microbiology, chemistry and sensory analyzes will be performed, including testing for pesticide residues, heavy metals, microbes and antibiotics. Approximately 50 instruments and 40 personnel from the Ministry of Health and TTD will manage the operations.