Naidu launches ₹25-crore food safety lab at Tirumala
In a major public health initiative, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Food and Water Analysis Laboratory at Tirumala, aimed at ensuring safe consumption standards for millions of devotees visiting the hill shrine.
The facility, established by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) in collaboration with the State Food Safety Commission and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, has been developed with an investment of ₹25 crore in core infrastructure, along with additional funding for specialised equipment and power systems.
Spread over 12,000 sq. ft., the laboratory has dedicated sections for chemical and microbiological analysis, each occupying 6,000 sq. ft. It is designed to monitor the quality of food and drinking water supplied to pilgrims, including items used in the preparation of Srivari prasadam and Annaprasadam.
Highlighting its importance, Mr. Naidu said the initiative would help uphold strict hygiene standards at Tirumala, which sees a massive daily footfall, and strengthen systems that protect devotees’ health.
During his visit, the Chief Minister examined more than 50 sophisticated instruments installed at the facility. Panda, who joined virtually, and Giridhar briefed him on the operational and technical aspects of the equipment.
Officials said the laboratory would routinely collect and analyse samples from raw materials, cooked food, and water sources to detect contamination and ensure compliance with safety standards. The facility is equipped with advanced technologies such as GC/GC-MS systems for analysing fatty acids, pesticide residues, and volatile compounds; HPLC/LC-MS instruments for identifying toxins, additives, and pharmaceuticals; and AAS/ICP-MS systems for detecting heavy metals.
Additional tools, including protein and fat analysers, butyrometers, and UV-visible spectrophotometers, further enhance its testing capabilities. Electronic sensory technologies such as “e-tongue” and “e-nose” systems have also been installed to improve quality assessment.
The laboratory is expected to process 1,000-1,500 samples per month, enabling continuous surveillance of food and water quality, particularly during the preparation of the iconic Srivari laddu and other offerings.
TTD Chairman B. R. Naidu, Minister Y. Satya Kumar Yadav, Executive Officer Muddada Ravichandra, and Additional EO Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary, along with board members and senior officials, was present.