Newshour Press

The Akshaya Patra Foundation, which provides Mid Day Meals (MDMs) across 11 states to children studying in government-aided schools, inaugurated its second Food Safety and Quality Control Lab (FSQC Lab) in Lucknow.

The high-tech microbiology laboratory is equipped with advanced technology and high-precision testing mechanisms for evaluating food products from farm to plate. The Lucknow lab is projected to cover around 20 kitchens pan India and dc more than 50 analyses each day.

According to the sources, the laboratory services are designed to help reduce potential risks, shield consumers from food safety scares and improve overall health by maintaining the right nutritional levels. Food testing services include more than 60 parameters covering microbiological, chemical, physical and sensory examinations to ensure quality and safety of raw materials and end products. Moreover, the lab is complied with international regulations like pathogenic bacteria, chemical residues, allergens, nutritional content and additives.

Speaking on the launch, Shridhar Venkat, CEO of Akshaya Patra Foundation, thanked the Tata Trust for helping set up the second lab. The first lab was inaugurated last year in Ahmedabad and it has completed more than 5,000 analyses of diverse raw materials and finished products.