Milma (Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Limited) has joined forces with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to operationalize a cutting-edge food testing laboratory in Kochi. The NDDB CALF (Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food) Laboratory will be inaugurated by Shri George Kurian, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, on Saturday at 11:30 am.
Kerala Minister of Animal Husbandry & Dairy Development, Smt. J. Chinchurani, will preside over the function, while MP Hibi Eden will attend as the chief guest. NDDB Chairman Dr. Meenesh C. Shah will brief attendees on the roles and activities of NDDB CALF Limited. Shri K. S. Mani, Chairman of MILMA, will also participate in the event. The laboratory is located on the MILMA Ernakulam Regional Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd. (ERCMPU) campus in Edappally, Kochi.
High Standards and Initial Services
Functioning as a branch of NDDB CALF Limited, the Kochi laboratory will follow the stringent quality and professional standards upheld by NDDB’s other facilities. Initially, the lab will cater to the testing requirements of the dairy industry in Kerala and neighbouring states, providing comprehensive quality and safety testing of milk and milk products. C.N. Valsalan Pillai, Chairman of ERCMPU, highlighted these capabilities during a press conference.
Expansion to Diverse Food and Agricultural Testing
In a phased approach, the laboratory’s services will expand to include testing of food and agricultural commodities such as spices, fruits, vegetables, bakery products, ready-to-eat foods, fish, and allied products. The facility has already received accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), New Delhi.
Supporting Food Safety and Government Initiatives
Equipped with advanced instrumentation and modern infrastructure, the Kochi laboratory will also support state government departments and food safety authorities in mitigating food safety risks through advanced testing services. Dr. Rajesh Nair, Managing Director of NDDB CALF, emphasized the lab’s role in strengthening food safety in the region.
NDDB CALF Limited: A Legacy of Expertise
NDDB CALF Limited (NCL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NDDB headquartered in Anand, Gujarat, has been providing analytical testing and research services for over 17 years. As per the press release, its expertise spans the dairy, food, and agricultural sectors, as well as regulatory authorities and allied industries. Wilson J. Puravakkattu, Managing Director of ERCMPU, also attended the launch ceremony.