Archive · 28 Dec 2025
AP Food Testing Lab to Open in January 2026
The Andhra Pradesh government is finally going to start using a food testing lab in Visakhapatnam.
This lab was built a long time ago but has not been used yet.
It cost a lot of money to build and set up.
The government is now hiring staff and getting everything ready so the lab can start working by January 2026.
Once it starts, it will help test food samples to make sure they are safe to eat.
Right now, the state has to send samples to private labs or Hyderabad, which is expensive.
The lab needs to work for about six months to a year before it can get official approvals.
This will help Andhra Pradesh do better in food safety checks.
AP State Food Testing Laboratory (APSFTL) in Visakhapatnam to become operational by January 2026.
Lab was inaugurated in February 2024 but has not conducted any testing yet.
Total cost for construction and equipment is ₹30.77 crore.
Lab needs to operate for six months to a year before FSSAI and NABL inspections for accreditation.
Andhra Pradesh currently relies on private labs and Hyderabad for food testing, costing ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per sample.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh government
- What
- Operationalizing the AP State Food Testing Laboratory (APSFTL) in Visakhapatnam
- When
- January 2026
- Where
- Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- Why
- To reduce dependency on private labs and improve food safety testing within the state
- Cost of Construction
- ₹4.77 crore
- Additional Construction Cost
- ₹20 crore
- Equipment and Chemicals Cost
- ₹5 crore
- Testing Cost per Sample (Private Labs)
- ₹10,000 to ₹15,000
- Inauguration Date
- February 25, 2024
- Expected Operational Date
- January 2026
- Accreditation Required
- FSSAI and NABL
- Current State Labs
- 1 (non-functional) public, 4 private