Food Manifest 
Key Update
The Andhra Pradesh government will soon inaugurate a state-of-the-art food testing lab in Tirumala to ensure the highest quality standards for Srivari prasadam and food served to devotees. Health Minister Y. Satya Kumar Yadav announced that the ₹25 crore project is nearing completion, with nearly 90% of construction and installation work finished. The laboratory is expected to become operational next month.
Advanced E-Tongue and E-Nose to Detect Adulteration
To address concerns over adulteration—especially in ghee—the government will install advanced E-Tongue and E-Nose devices worth ₹3.5 crore. Manufactured in France, these high-precision instruments replicate the sensory functions of the human tongue and nose. They can scientifically analyse taste and aroma profiles and detect even microscopic levels of deterioration or adulteration in ghee and other food items. Officials describe these devices as rare in India and capable of delivering highly accurate sensory evaluations.
Comprehensive Testing of Raw Materials and Prasadam
The laboratory will test around 60 varieties of raw materials used in preparing prasadam, including ghee, cashew nuts, raisins, almonds, Bengal gram, sugar, cardamom, turmeric, and chilli powder. It will also analyse prasadam, other food items, and drinking water supplied by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
The facility will screen samples for up to 200 types of pesticide residues, heavy metals, microbial contamination, antibiotics, and other harmful substances. Authorities aim to ensure that devotees receive safe, hygienic, and high-quality food in the temple town.
Infrastructure and Staffing
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) sanctioned ₹23 crore for establishing the laboratory under an agreement signed in October 2024. The government allocated a renovated 12,000 sq. ft. two-storey building within the Tirumala flour mill premises for the facility. Renovation work began in July last year. Once operational, the lab will house 50 advanced instruments across microbiology, chemistry, and sensory analysis divisions. Around 40 personnel will jointly manage operations, with staff deployed by the Health Department and TTD.
The Health Minister stated that this first-of-its-kind facility at a pilgrimage centre in Andhra Pradesh will significantly strengthen food safety systems in Tirumala and reinforce devotees’ confidence in the purity and safety of Srivari prasadam.
Source: The Times of India
