E-Tongue to E-Nose: Andhra to set up ₹25 Cr food lab in Tirumala for quality prasadam

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh government is setting up a state-of-the-art food laboratory in Tirumala for Rs 25 crore.

The move is aimed at ensuring the quality and safety of prasadam and food served to devotees.

State Health and Medical Education Minister Satya Kumar Yadav announced that the advanced lab will become operational next month, with specialized `E-Tongue' and `E-Nose' machines being imported from France to detect even microscopic quality deviations in ghee.

90% works completed; Operations to begin next month

According to the Minister, civil and infrastructure works of the laboratory have been completed up to 90%, and the facility is expected to begin functioning from next month.

The lab is being equipped with cutting-edge instruments to test nearly 60 types of raw materials used in the preparation of temple prasadam, including ghee, cashew nuts, raisins, almonds, Bengal gram, sugar, cardamom, turmeric, and chilli powder.

The laboratory has been set up in a 12,000 sq. ft. two-storey building located within the flour mill premises in Tirumala. Renovation and conversion works began in July last year.

Special focus on ghee quality after adulteration concerns

Keeping in view past concerns over adulterated ghee, the lab will be equipped with advanced “Electronic Tongue” and “Electronic Nose” machines at an additional cost of Rs 3.5 crore.

These sophisticated devices can detect even minute changes in smell and taste, similar to how humans sense flavour and aroma, but with far greater precision.

The equipment, manufactured in France, will also require specialized gas cylinders imported from the same country. These machines are expected to be installed by May.

50 advanced instruments for comprehensive testing

The laboratory will have around 50 advanced instruments to conduct tests in three major divisions: Microbiology, Chemistry, and Sensory Analysis.

It will examine prasadam, food items, water, and raw materials for: Pesticide residues (up to 200 varieties), heavy metals, microbial contamination, antibiotics, and other harmful substances.

Samples of TTD’s drinking water and food offerings will also be tested regularly to ensure compliance with food safety standards.

Agreement with FSSAI and central funding support

Following the directions of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Minister Satya Kumar Yadav held high-level discussions with the Centre to establish the facility.

Under an agreement signed on October 8, 2024, between the State Health Department and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in New Delhi, the central body sanctioned Rs 23 crore for the project.

Another agreement between the Health Department and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is expected to be signed soon to govern the operational framework of the lab.

First-of-its-kind facility at a pilgrimage centre in AP

While FSSAI has entered into similar agreements with various states to establish food testing labs at major pilgrimage centres, this is the first time in Andhra Pradesh that such a high-end, fully equipped food laboratory is being set up within a temple town.

About 40 personnel across different categories will be jointly deployed by the Health Department and TTD to manage and operate the laboratory.

Boost to devotee confidence

The government believes that the establishment of this advanced laboratory will significantly enhance food safety monitoring at Tirumala and strengthen devotee confidence by ensuring that prasadam and food items meet the highest quality standards.

Minister Satya Kumar Yadav stated that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the well-being of millions of pilgrims visiting Tirumala every year.