
In a significant move towards improving food safety in Andhra Pradesh, the State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The agreement, worth Rs 88.41 crore, aims to build advanced food testing laboratories, enhance food safety awareness, and establish a robust infrastructure for food quality assessment.
MoU Signing and Key Participants
The MoU was signed in New Delhi at FSSAI headquarters in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav and FSSAI CEO G Kamala Vardhan Rao. AP Food Safety Commissioner C Hari Kiran and FSSAI Executive Director Inoshi Sharma also took part in the signing. This partnership focuses on the 2024-25 Work Plan, aimed at significantly improving food safety standards across the State.
Advanced Food Labs in Tirumala and Kurnool
A sum of Rs 40 crore has been allocated to set up state-of-the-art food laboratories in Tirumala and Kurnool, each receiving Rs 20 crore. These labs will be equipped with cutting-edge technology to detect pesticide residues, heavy metals, and to assess the nutritional value of food products. Additionally, microbiological labs will be established to enhance the State’s food testing capabilities.
Basic Food Labs in Eluru and Ongole
To expand testing facilities further, Rs 13 crore has been allocated for basic food laboratories in Eluru and Ongole. With these new additions, the total number of notified food laboratories in Andhra Pradesh will reach seven. Another Rs 12 crore will be invested in testing food samples for contaminants like pesticide residues.
Awareness Campaigns for Food Safety
In addition to building laboratory infrastructure, Rs 11 crore has been dedicated to educational campaigns to raise awareness about food safety among consumers, food industry players, and farmers. The campaigns will include short films, radio jingles, posters, and food safety manuals.