AU unveils modern food testing laboratory

The state-of-the-art food testing and standardisation laboratory, set up at the Chemistry department of Andhra University at a cost of Rs.5 crore, was inaugurated on Wednesday by city mayor Golagani Hari Venkata Kumari, along with MLC Varudu Kalyani and district collector Dr A Mallikharjuna. This inauguration comes as part of the agreements reached at the recent Global Investors Conference held in Visakhapatnam, which saw the launch of two agricultural production centres and foundation stone-laying ceremonies for various industries across the state.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the laboratory offers comprehensive food quality testing capabilities. This robust infrastructure will benefit both academic and commercial purposes, serving as a valuable resource for students and industry professionals alike. The project received crucial funding from the AP Food Processing Society (APFPS) with a contribution of Rs. 5 crores. Further strengthening the initiative, the District Collector sanctioned an additional Rs. 2 crores from CSR funds. This collaborative effort signifies the collective commitment to ensuring food safety for the community.
Professor PVGD Prasad Reddy, AU Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the laboratory’s potential to safeguard public health by identifying adulterated food items and enforcing stringent quality standards. The facility will also significantly impact local farmers and food producers by offering reliable testing services, empowering them to deliver safer and higher-quality products. Additionally, students will gain invaluable hands-on experience with cutting-edge equipment, preparing them for careers in food science and quality control.
State Industries and IT Minister Gudivada Amarnath and State Agriculture, Marketing and Food Processing Minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy virtually graced the occasion, signifying the government’s support for this crucial initiative. The inauguration of this advanced food testing laboratory marks a paradigm shift in Andhra University’s commitment to food safety and quality control. By collaborating with government agencies and industry stakeholders, this facility is poised to have a substantial and positive impact on public health, local agriculture, and academic excellence in the region.