3 days ago
Visakhapatnam Food Lab Still Idle Two Years After Inauguration
Andhra Pradesh built a large food-testing laboratory in Visakhapatnam.
It has many machines that can check milk, oils, biscuits, water and other products.
However, the laboratory does not have enough trained workers to use the equipment.
Officials say at least 75 people are needed for it to work properly.
Some newly recruited workers were sent to other laboratories instead.
Because of this, food samples must still be sent to private laboratories in Chennai and Hyderabad.
Each test can cost between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000.
The delay is concerning because the state has reported cases involving adulterated food.
The laboratory is expected to test nearly 1,000 samples each month once it becomes fully operational.
The Andhra Pradesh State Food Laboratory in Visakhapatnam remains nonfunctional more than two years after its February 2024 inauguration.
The facility cost Rs 4.77 crore and received chemicals and testing equipment worth Rs 19 crore.
At least 75 personnel are needed, while officials identified 33 posts as immediate requirements.
Andhra Pradesh continues sending samples to private laboratories in Chennai and Hyderabad, costing Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 per sample.
The laboratory’s opening was repeatedly promised, including by January 2026, but staff diversions have delayed operations.
- Who
- The Andhra Pradesh food safety department, state officials and laboratory personnel are involved; food consumers are affected by the testing gap.
- What
- A fully equipped state food laboratory in Visakhapatnam remains idle because sufficient staff have not been appointed.
- Where
- Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh; samples are being sent to private laboratories in Chennai and Hyderabad.
- When
- The laboratory was inaugurated in February 2024; officials had promised operation by January 2026, but it remained nonfunctional as August was nearing its end.
- Why
- At least 75 trained personnel are required under Food Safety and Standards Authority of India norms, but the facility lacks adequate staff.
Officials' assurances
Critics' concerns
Opening timeline
Officials' assurances
Officials repeatedly said the Visakhapatnam laboratory would become operational, including a commitment for January 2026.
Critics' concerns
The deadline passed without the facility opening, and the laboratory remained idle as August was nearing its end.
Staff recruitment
Officials' assurances
The government initiated recruitment to address the shortage and identified immediate staffing needs.
Critics' concerns
Sources said some newly appointed personnel were diverted to other laboratories, including the facility in Tirumala, further delaying Visakhapatnam's operations.
Current testing arrangements
Officials' assurances
The department's work plans map districts to private laboratories in Chennai and Hyderabad for surveillance and legal sample analysis.
Critics' concerns
Continuing dependence on out-of-state laboratories creates additional costs and logistical delays and leaves Andhra Pradesh without sufficient public testing capacity.
Key facts
- Construction cost
- Rs 4.77 crore
- Equipment value
- Rs 19 crore in chemicals and testing apparatus
- Required staffing
- At least 75 personnel, including 33 posts identified as immediate necessities
- Testing capacity
- Nearly 1,000 samples per month when fully operational
- Testing coverage
- 17 food categories, including milk, dairy products, edible oils, biscuits and soft drinks
- Outside testing cost
- Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 per sample at private laboratories
- Food Safety Index ranking
- Andhra Pradesh ranked 28th, the lowest among states, in the 2023-24 index
Sources
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