Reports about the Tirupati temple offerings have sparked controversy. Reports say that the ghee used in Prasad’s laddus was adulterated. The laboratory where Prasad was tested is located in Anand, Gujarat, and is called NDDB CALF.
What is NDDB CALF?
In this laboratory, milk and milk products are evaluated through stringent tests of all quality parameters. The laboratory was established in 2009. The National Dairy Development Board established it keeping in mind all its cooperatives and milk producing institutions. The center is named CALF, i.e. Center for Analysis and Research of Livestock and Feed, and conducts analysis related to milk products, food, fruits, vegetables, animal feed and genetics.
To this end, the laboratory has 80 staff members, including 40 analysts, who test and analyze the samples sent to it. At the beginning of 2009, only milk, dairy products and animal feed were tested and analyzed. Gradually, the laboratory was equipped with advanced modern equipment to carry out analytical work. The scope of testing was expanded to include fruits and vegetables, oils and fats, honey and water.
Besides this, pesticides, antibiotics, heavy metals, aflatoxins and dioxins were also analyzed. Keeping in mind the requirements of NDDB breed improvement program and semen testing center, CALF established genetic testing facilities.
Achievements of Zhongniu Forum
The laboratory was first accredited by NABL in 2013 for conducting about 200 tests under ISO 17025. The scope of accreditation of the laboratory currently includes about 3500 tests in various fields. CALF achieved a milestone in 2014 by becoming a recommended laboratory by FSSAI in the field of milk and milk products analysis. In 2017, the laboratory was accredited by organizations such as the Bureau of Processing and Processing Industries to support the processing industry of dairy products and other food products.
In 2018, the Export Inspection Council (EIC) gave it recognition and in 2019, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) gave it recognition. Subsequently in 2019, FSSAI also declared it as the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Dairy and Milk Products.
Under the leadership of NRL, the laboratory launched a new service called proficiency testing in 2021. CALF has established the country’s first unique facility for milk fat purity, dairy dioxin analysis and honey authenticity testing. With financial support from the National Bee Board (NBB), CALF has become the country’s first certified laboratory capable of truly testing honey purity. NDDB Calf Limited was incorporated on February 25, 2023, becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of NDDB, expanding the coverage and benefits of quality testing to the entire country.
Who owns NDDB CALF?
NDDB CALF is a subsidiary of NDDB and is affiliated to NDDB. It is managed by the NDDB Management. NDDB was established by an Act of Parliament as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India. It was founded in 1965 by Dr. Verghese Kurien, the father of the White Revolution in India. Its head office is in Anand and it has offices across the country. To insulate it from political pressure, its board of directors has included members associated with the animal husbandry and dairy industries.
By 2021, an IAS officer under the Central Government will also be its Chairman. Currently, Dr. Meenesh Shah has been associated with the institution for over 35 years. Earlier, he was a member of the Board of Directors. Thereafter, he was appointed as the Acting Chairman and in 2022, he was appointed as the Managing Director along with the Chairman. Apart from this, he is also the Chairman of IDMC, IIL, MDFVPL, NDS, MRIDA and a member of the Board of Directors of the International Dairy Federation (IDF). In 2023, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate degree for his contribution to the dairy sector from NDDB. He has completed his graduation in Dairy Technology and Postgraduate in Rural Management from the Anand Institute of Rural Management.
NDDB is of national importance as it helps the central government in planning and implementing farmer and dairy development programmes. It is a national body run with funding from the Government of India and has different companies under its umbrella, NDDB CALF being one of them. More than 190,000 cooperative societies, 245 milk unions, 22 federations and cooperative bodies in India are associated with NDDB. More than 150 million farmers are members of panchayats.
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