TIRUMALA, MARCH 21, 2026: CM of Andhra Pradesh Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday inaugurated the sophisticated and advanced Food Analysis Lab in Tirumala, the first of its kind temple-proximate lab in the country, for TTD set at a cost of Rs.25 crore.
The CM thoroughly observed the 50-plus pieces of equipment located in the lab. FSSAI Executive Director Panda from New Delhi, CFTRI Director Giridhar explained to the CM about the functioning of each piece of equipment.
The TTD’s Water and Food Analysis Laboratory in Tirumala ensures safe water and food for pilgrims by testing samples from various sources.
Lab Expansion:
Funded by FSSAI and AP Govt (₹25Cr for core lab, ₹3.5 Cr for e-Tongue/e-Nose, ₹1.10 Cr for power setup), the new 12,000 sq ft State Food Laboratory dedicates 6,000 sq ft each to chemical and microbiological analysis.
Advanced Equipment (New Lab)GC/GC-MS to test Fatty acids, pesticides, volatiles;
HPLC/LC-MS to test Mycotoxins, drugs, additives; AAS/ICP-MS to test heavy metals in foods/water.
Other equipment includes Fibre/protein/fat analyzers, butyro refractometer, UV-Vis spectrophotometer.
Key Operations :
Tests raw materials for Srivari Prasadam and Annaprasadam, prepared items like laddus.
Conducts tests on 1,000-1,500 samples every month.
TTD Chairman BR Naidu, EO M Ravichandra, Additional EO Ch Venkaiah Chowdary, board members, JEOs Veerabrahmam, Dr Sharat, CVSO Muralikrishna, DyEO Health Somannarayana and others were present.
