Archive · 17 Dec 2025
Visakhapatnam Food Lab Delayed 11 Years
A food testing lab in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, was built 11 years ago but has not been used.
It cost a lot of money to build and equip, but it has been sitting empty.
The government is now trying to make it work by hiring people and buying chemicals.
They hope it will start testing food samples by January 2026.
Until then, the state has been using private labs, which are expensive.
The lab needs special approvals to be officially recognized.
Some people think the delay is because of corruption and lack of interest from officials.
Visakhapatnam food testing lab, inaugurated in 2024, has not been operational.
Cost ₹4.77 crore to build and equip, with additional ₹5 crore spent on chemicals.
Government initiating recruitment and procurement to start operations by January 2026.
Lab needs six months to a year of operation before FSSAI and NABL accreditation.
Andhra Pradesh has relied on private labs, costing ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per sample.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh government and FSSAI
- What
- Delay in operationalizing the Visakhapatnam food testing lab
- When
- Inaugurated in 2024, expected to start in 2026
- Where
- Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- Why
- Delays in recruitment and procurement, lack of interest from officials
- Cost
- ₹4.77 crore
- Inauguration Date
- February 25, 2024
- Expected Operation Start
- January 2026
- Certifications Needed
- FSSAI and NABL
- Current Testing Costs
- ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per sample