Infrastructure

The newly established District Food Testing Laboratory in Pathanamthitta marks a decisive milestone in the government's journey toward the goal of "Safe Food, Healthy Kerala". This facility has been constructed with state-of-the-art amenities to strictly implement food safety standards and protect public health. Previously, food and water samples collected from Pathanamthitta district had to be sent to regional laboratories in other districts for analysis. This process caused significant delays in receiving test results and taking subsequent enforcement actions. With the commissioning of the new laboratory, these limitations will be overcome, ensuring accurate test results within a short timeframe. Given that Pathanamthitta district comprises a mix of pilgrimage centers, rural settlements, and urban areas, this system is essential to ensure transparency and safety in the food trade.

This sophisticated laboratory complex is designed as a three-story building with a total area of approximately 553.72 square meters. The Ground Floor features facilities for receiving and securely storing samples, while also housing the administrative office and a section of the Microbiology department. The First Floor functions as the technical core, containing the Instrumentation Room, Sample Preparation Area, UPS Room, and Cylinder Storage Area. The Second Floor comprises the Food Analysis Section, Water Analysis Section, and the upper component of the Microbiology department.

Modern equipment, including fume hoods, is available to detect the presence of chemicals in food items, alongside a dedicated section for scientifically testing the quality of drinking water and other water samples. The facility includes state-of-the-art systems to identify the presence of microorganisms, including bacteria, in line with statutory regulations. To preserve the integrity and quality of samples, a controlled-temperature storage system has been installed. Technical support is further bolstered by a dedicated UPS room to ensure uninterrupted power supply and a scientific gas cylinder handling area. Under the leadership of the Food Safety Department, construction of this laboratory commenced in November 2022 and was completed by June 2025. This laboratory represents a major leap in ensuring the health and safety of the public by more efficiently implementing the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.