JNTUK Food Testing Lab Seeks Govt Recognition for Testing Samples
Kakinada:The Food Testing Lab, operated by the Food Technology department of Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada (JNTUK), has sought recognition from the state government for testing the food samples taken by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
As of now, FSSI sends the samples to Hyderabad for testing. This takes time.
The JNTUK entity is ready and willing to undertake this task if the government gives its nod. “The lab has all the facilities and latest technology. The analysis will be perfect,,” it stressed.
The lab has already got recognition from National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and FSSAI. The lab adopts six parameters for testing food samples and issuing reports.
The lab does antibacterial tests. It also has a chemical analysis technique that measures the concentration of elements in the samples.
The university’s food technology department recently gave training to the Prasadam wing personnel of the Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Murthy Temple at Annavaram to prepare quality Prasadam without adulteration.
The department’s head, Malothu Ramesh, told Deccan Chronicle that the lab has tested more than 4,200 samples from oil companies, fish ponds, aqua, canal waters and irrigation related samples since 2017 and issued results. “We have the best facility to do this. Viral, bacterial, chloroform and other tests are being done in the lab,” he said.
Ramesh is the only master trainer in the state in Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC). He gives technical support for FRK (fortified rice kernel manufacturers), anganwadis, civil supplies department etc.
