Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is set to establish a state-of-the-art food testing laboratory to ensure the highest quality of ingredients used in the preparation of prasadam at the world-famous Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple. According to various reports, the facility, nearly 90% complete, is expected to be operational next month and will feature advanced e-tongue and e-nose systems capable of detecting even microscopic levels of adulteration or quality deterioration.

Ultra-modern testing for prasadam ingredients

The new laboratory, being established at a cost of Rs 25 crore, aims to enhance transparency and safety following concerns over ghee supplies in 2024. The CBI had filed a chargesheet earlier this year regarding allegations of adulterated ghee provided to the temple.

Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said in an official release:

“The e-tongue and e-nose-equipped ultra-modern food laboratory can identify even micro-level changes in quality. These facilities will soon be available in Tirumala.”

The e-tongue system scientifically analyses taste patterns with high precision, detecting subtle adulteration or deterioration in ghee and other raw materials. Similarly, the e-nose system replicates the human sense of smell to evaluate aroma profiles, helping authorities identify impurities or defects that may not be detected through conventional testing methods.

Advanced French instruments for microscopic detection

Specialised instruments worth around Rs 3.5 crore, manufactured in France, will enable the detection of microscopic variations in taste and aroma. The laboratory will test approximately 60 types of raw materials used in Srivari prasadam, including ghee, cashews, almonds, raisins, Bengal gram, sugar, cardamom, turmeric, and chilli powder.

The facility will also analyse prasadam, drinking water, and other food samples for pesticide residues (up to 200 types), heavy metals, microbial contamination, antibiotics, and other harmful substances.

Facility layout and operations

Spread across 12,000 sq ft in a renovated two-storey building at the TTD flour mill premises, the laboratory has been under renovation since July 2025. It will operate through specialised microbiology, chemistry, and sensory analysis divisions and house around 50 advanced testing instruments. About 40 personnel from the health department and TTD will manage operations.

Currently, very few laboratories in India possess such advanced sensory testing systems, making the Tirumala facility the first of its kind at a major pilgrimage centre in Andhra Pradesh. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has sanctioned Rs 23 crore for the project.

The launch of this ultra-modern food testing lab underscores TTD’s commitment to food safety, quality assurance, and the preservation of prasadam sanctity for lakhs of devotees visiting Tirupati daily.