TTD’s Food Testing Lab Goes Fully Operational

Tirupati: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has made its advanced Food and Water Analysis Laboratory fully operational at Tirumala to strengthen food safety and ensure the health of devotees.

TTD additional executive officer Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary visited the laboratory on Thursday and reviewed its first analysis report. He said ensuring the health and safety of devotees visiting Tirumala for Srivari darshan remained TTD's top priority.

The laboratory, inaugurated by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on March 21, has become fully operational within three months after meeting all prescribed standards and adopting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Established in accordance with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) norms, the laboratory is equipped with more than 50 advanced instruments and is staffed by about 30 scientists, technical experts and laboratory technicians. TTD plans to recruit 20 permanent staff members after receiving government approval.

The laboratory analyses around 40 food samples daily from temple kitchens, Annaprasadam centres, food counters, hotels, Srivari Laddu units and raw material stocks. It also tests about 20 water samples collected each day from distribution lines and other sources.

TTD officials said water samples earlier had to be sent to laboratories outside Tirumala for testing. With the new microbiology laboratory now operational, results can be obtained faster and with greater accuracy.

TTD health department deputy EO Somanna Narayana, Srivari temple deputy EO M. Lokanatham, laboratory quality manager Lakshmi Narayana and laboratory staff were present.