Tirupati laddoos row: All about Gujarat lab that confirmed 'animal fat' in prasadam

The NDDB CALF laboratory in Gujarat has come under the spotlight after its test report confirmed the presence of animal fat in the laddoo served at Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati Venkateswara Temple.

In Short

• Laddoo 'contamination' at Tirupati Temple sparks controversy
• Chandrababu Naidu's party releases a test report from NDDB CALF
• Gujarat-based laboratory specialises in quality assessments

The alleged contamination of the laddoo at Andhra Pradesh's Venkateswara Temple with animal fat has sparked a major controversy, quickly gaining national attention. The issue escalated after Andhra Pradesh's ruling party, TDP, released a test report from the Gujarat-based laboratory NDDB CALF on Thursday.

What is NDDB CALF?

CALF stands for Centre for Livestock and Feed Analysis and Studies, established by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in 2009. Initially focused on milk and animal feed testing, the lab now conducts a wide range of quality assessments for milk, milk products, fruits, vegetables, animal feed, and even genetics.

The lab is staffed with 80 professionals, including 40 analysts, and is equipped with advanced technologies to perform thorough evaluations and analysis. Over the years, it has expanded its scope to include the analysis of fats, oils, honey, water, and contaminants like pesticides, antibiotics, heavy metals, aflatoxins, and dioxins. It also provides genetic testing for NDDB’s breed improvement programs and semen testing facilities.

Achievements of NDDB CALF

NDDB CALF received its first NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) certification under ISO 17025 in 2013, covering approximately 200 tests. Today, its accreditation has grown to cover around 3,500 tests across various domains. A significant milestone came in 2014 when the lab became a referral facility for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in the area of milk and dairy product testing.

In 2017, the laboratory received accreditation from organisations in support of dairy and other food processing industries. It was recognised by the Export Inspection Council (EIC) in 2018 and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in 2019.

In 2019, NDDB CALF gained further recognition, becoming a National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for dairy products under FSSAI. In 2021, it launched a Proficiency Testing service, pioneering the testing of milk fat purity, dioxin levels in dairy products, and honey authenticity. With support from the National Bee Board (NBB), CALF became the first accredited lab in India capable of reliably testing honey for purity.

In February 2023, NDDB CALF was incorporated as NDDB CALF Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of NDDB, to further enhance its reach and ensure high-quality testing nationwide.

Ownership of NDDB CALF

NDDB CALF is a subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), an autonomous institution under the Department of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. Established in 1965 by Dr Verghese Kurien, the father of India’s White Revolution, NDDB is headquartered in Anand in Gujarat, with offices across the country. It plays a crucial role in formulating and implementing policies for the development of farmers and dairy producers.

To maintain its autonomy and avoid political interference, the Board has traditionally appointed board members with a background in animal husbandry and the dairy industry. Until 2021, the chairmanship of NDDB was typically held by Centre-appointed IAS officers. Currently, Meenesh Shah, a seasoned industry leader with over 35 years of experience at NDDB, serves as the Chairman and Managing Director.

NDDB supports more than 1.90 lakh dairy cooperatives, 245 milk unions, 22 federations, and various cooperative institutions, representing over 1.5 crore farmers across India.