Andhra Pradesh’s Food Testing Laboratory Set to Open in January 2026

After a lengthy delay, the AP State Food Testing Laboratory (APSFTL) in Visakhapatnam is set to commence operations in January 2026. The announcement comes nearly two years after the facility was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 25, 2024, yet it has remained inactive since its opening.

Constructed at a cost of ₹4.77 crore, the laboratory has not conducted any food testing despite an additional investment of approximately ₹20 crore for further construction and ₹5 crore allocated for necessary equipment and chemicals. The lack of activity prompted a review by state officials, particularly highlighted in a report by Deccan Chronicle in September.

Government Steps to Operationalize Laboratory

In response to the laboratory’s prolonged inactivity, the Andhra Pradesh government has taken corrective actions, including the issuance of notifications to fill several sanctioned positions. Senior officials indicate that with equipment installed and staff being hired, the laboratory is on track to begin operations next month.

To achieve full functionality, APSFTL must operate for a period of six months to a year before receiving inspections from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). These certifications are critical for the lab’s test results to be legally admissible in cases involving food safety violations and adulteration.

The impetus for advancing the laboratory’s operational timeline reportedly gained momentum following a visit from Dr. Amit Sharma, director of quality assurance at FSSAI. During his visit, he expressed concern over the facility’s inactivity and addressed additional challenges, including a Food Safety Awareness vehicle that has also remained unused for several months.

Impact of Delays on Food Safety in Andhra Pradesh

Currently, the absence of a functioning state laboratory has forced Andhra Pradesh to depend on private laboratories and the Hyderabad State Food Laboratory for testing food samples collected during inspections. This reliance has persisted since the bifurcation of the state over a decade ago, when Telangana separated from Andhra Pradesh.

The costs associated with private testing range from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per sample, placing a financial burden on the state. According to FSSAI data, Andhra Pradesh only possesses one public sector food laboratory, which is currently non-operational, while four private labs are in operation.

This situation has adversely affected Andhra Pradesh’s standing on the State Food Safety Index. Officials are optimistic that the recent developments mark a significant step towards rectifying this gap and enhancing food safety measures in the region.

With the laboratory slated to begin operations soon, stakeholders are hopeful that it will contribute to improving public health standards and ensure safer food practices across Andhra Pradesh.