NABL-accredited NDDB CALF facility to strengthen food safety, quality assurance, and dairy testing across Kerala and neighbouring states

Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (MILMA) has partnered with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to operationalise a state-of-the-art food testing laboratory in Kochi, marking a significant boost to the region’s food safety and quality infrastructure.

The new facility, established at the MILMA Ernakulam Regional Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd. (ERCMPU) campus in Edappally, will function as a branch of NDDB CALF Limited (Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food). It will adhere to the same stringent quality, technical, and professional standards followed at NDDB CALF’s laboratories across India.

The laboratory will be inaugurated on Saturday by George Kurian, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Kerala Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development J. Chinchurani and Member of Parliament Hibi Eden will also attend the event.

NDDB Chairman Dr Meenesh C. Shah will outline the roles and activities of NDDB CALF Limited, while MILMA Chairman K. S. Mani will be present on the occasion.

In its initial phase, the Kochi laboratory will cater primarily to the testing requirements of the dairy industry in Kerala and neighbouring states. Facilities for comprehensive quality and safety testing of milk and milk products have already been established, according to C. N. Valsalan Pillai, Chairman of ERCMPU.

The scope of services will be expanded in phases to include testing of food and agricultural commodities such as spices, fruits, vegetables, bakery products, ready-to-eat foods, fish, and allied products. The laboratory has received accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), New Delhi.

“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 reliable and advanced testing services,” said Dr Rajesh Nair, Managing Director of NDDB CALF.

NDDB CALF Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of NDDB, headquartered in Anand, Gujarat, and plays a key role in strengthening India’s food quality and safety ecosystem through scientific testing and capacity building.