Advanced food testing laboratory with French e-tongue and e-nose technology to be established in Tirumala

Key facts

• The Andhra Pradesh state government is installing advanced e-tongue and e-nose machines worth ₹3.5 crore at a new food testing laboratory in Tirumala.
• These high-precision instruments, manufactured in France, replicate human sensory functions to scientifically analyse taste and aroma profiles and detect microscopic adulteration.
• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) sanctioned ₹23 crore for the establishment of the 12,000 sq ft laboratory.
• The facility will test approximately 60 varieties of raw materials, including ghee, cashew nuts, raisins, almonds, Bengal gram, sugar, cardamom, turmeric, and chilli powder.
• The laboratory will operate through microbiology, chemistry, and sensory analysis divisions to detect up to 200 types of pesticide residues, heavy metals, and antibiotics.
• A total of 40 personnel will be jointly deployed by the health department and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to operate the facility.