Key Update

The Andhra Pradesh government is establishing five state-of-the-art food testing labs across the state to strengthen food safety and protect public health. Among these, the labs in Visakhapatnam and Tirumala will be the first to start operations next month. The government has invested ₹86 crore in the project, with special focus on Tirumala, which welcomes lakhs of devotees every year.

To begin with, the government is setting up a 12,000 sq. ft. laboratory in Tirumala, equipped with advanced instruments worth ₹19 crore. Trained staff will operate the facility round the clock and test all types of food samples. Officials emphasize that this step is crucial, particularly after recent food adulteration incidents raised concerns among devotees. At the same time, work on the Visakhapatnam laboratory is progressing quickly. Authorities have already installed the basic equipment, and they expect the final setup to be ready by the end of next month. Once operational, both labs will serve as important milestones in the state’s mission to ensure safe food for its people.

Modernisation in Ongole and Eluru

Along with setting up new facilities, the government is also modernising the public health labs in Ongole and Eluru. In fact, each lab has received ₹6.5 crore for advanced equipment, and officials have already issued purchase orders to speed up the process. Furthermore, the government is expanding food testing capacity across Andhra Pradesh. New food testing labs are coming up in Guntur and Tirupati, while the regional lab in Kurnool is undergoing an upgrade with a new building and advanced testing facilities.

Government’s Commitment

Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said the government is prioritising food safety and public health. He stressed that the new food testing labs will strengthen efforts to detect adulteration and ensure safe food for people across the state.

Source: Foodtech News