Advanced E-Tongue and E-Nose Machines to Enhance Food Safety at New Tirumala Laboratory
In a significant move to ensure the highest standards of food safety, the Andhra Pradesh state government is set to install cutting-edge e-tongue and e-nose machines at a newly established state-of-the-art food testing laboratory in Tirumala. These high-precision instruments, valued at Rs 3.5 crore, are manufactured in France and are designed to replicate the sensory functions of the human tongue and nose, enabling scientific analysis of taste and aroma profiles with unparalleled accuracy.
Laboratory Details and Operational Timeline
The new laboratory, which spans an impressive 12,000 square feet, is being developed at a total cost of Rs 25 crore. Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav has announced that the facility is nearly 90% complete and is expected to become operational next month. The laboratory is housed in a renovated two-storey building at the flour mill premises in Tirumala, with renovation works having commenced in July of the previous year.
Funding for this initiative has been secured through a Rs 23 crore sanction from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), underscoring the national importance of this project. The laboratory will be equipped with a total of 50 advanced instruments, including the e-tongue and e-nose machines, to conduct comprehensive testing.
Testing Scope and Personnel Deployment
The primary focus of the laboratory will be to test approximately 60 varieties of raw materials used in the preparation of Srivari prasadam. Key items include:
- Ghee
- Cashew nuts
- Raisins
- Almonds
- Bengal gram
- Sugar
- Cardamom
- Turmeric
- Chilli powder
These instruments are capable of detecting microscopic levels of deterioration or adulteration, particularly in ghee and other sensitive food items. The laboratory will operate through specialized divisions, including microbiology, chemistry, and sensory analysis, to test for a wide range of contaminants such as:
- Pesticide residues (up to 200 types)
- Heavy metals
- Microbial contamination
- Antibiotics
- Other harmful substances
In addition to food items, the facility will regularly test samples of TTD drinking water to ensure its safety. To ensure smooth operations, about 40 personnel will be jointly deployed by the health department and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD).
Impact on Devotee Confidence and Food Safety
Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav emphasized that this new facility will significantly strengthen food safety mechanisms in Tirumala. By leveraging advanced technology like e-tongue and e-nose machines, the initiative aims to reinforce devotees' confidence in the purity and hygiene of Srivari prasadam, ensuring that all food served in the temple town is safe and of the highest quality.
This proactive step not only addresses immediate safety concerns but also sets a benchmark for food testing standards in religious and public food services across the region.
