Key Update

The Food Safety Lab in Pathanamthitta entered a new era of testing excellence with the inauguration of its upgraded, state-of-the-art facility. Health Minister Veena George formally opened the new lab on Tuesday. The project, fully funded by the State government, marks a major milestone in Kerala’s efforts to strengthen food safety monitoring and testing capacity.

From Basic Setup to Comprehensive Facility

Established in 1998 following a 1997 High Court directive to test offerings and materials used during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku festival, the Pathanamthitta food safety lab previously conducted only preliminary tests on drinking water and food samples. With the new ₹3 crore investment, the laboratory now features advanced testing systems and a comprehensive setup spread across three floors.

Expanded Infrastructure and Advanced Equipment

The upgraded building includes a range of specialised sections. The ground floor accommodates sample receiving and storage areas, an office, chemical storage, a laboratory, and food analysis rooms. The first floor features an instrumentation room, a sample preparation area, and staff facilities, while the second floor houses a water lab, a food lab, a balance room, and a dedicated microbiology lab.

Strengthened Workforce and Testing Capabilities

To enhance operational efficiency, the government has added 10 new staff positions to the existing three. The lab is now equipped with modern instruments designed to improve testing accuracy, speed, and reliability. These upgrades will enable the facility to perform a wider range of food and water quality assessments with greater precision.

Source: The Hindu