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Milma & NDDB team up to open NABL-accredited food testing hub in Kochi
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Saturday, 24 January, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Abhitash Singh, Mumbai
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In a major boost to food safety infrastructure in Kerala, the Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (Milma) and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) have jointly launched a new NABL-accredited food testing laboratory at Kochi’s Ernakulam Regional Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union (ERCMPU) campus in Edappally. The facility was inaugurated recently in the presence of Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying George Kurian, along with state dignitaries and industry representatives.
Set up under the NDDB’s Centre for Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (NDDB CALF) Limited, the Kochi laboratory has received accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), New Delhi a testament to its compliance with stringent national quality standards.
Initially, the facility will focus on comprehensive quality and safety testing of milk and dairy products produced in Kerala and neighbouring regions, helping to reinforce consumer confidence in these essential commodities. According to officials, this local testing capacity will significantly reduce turnaround times compared with sending samples to distant labs, benefiting producers and regulators alike.
Milma and NDDB officials have also outlined plans for phased expansion of the lab’s testing capabilities, which are expected to soon cover a wider range of food and agricultural items including spices, fruits and vegetables, bakery products, ready-to-eat foods, fish, and allied products. This broader scope will further strengthen food safety monitoring across diverse sectors.
Equipped with modern instrumentation and advanced analytical tools, the new NABL-accredited laboratory will also support state government departments and food safety authorities, providing scientific insights to mitigate food safety risks more effectively. Experts say this initiative aligns with broader national efforts to improve food quality assurance, enhance compliance with regulatory norms, and protect public health.
Industry observers note that local access to accredited testing services could help smaller food producers meet quality expectations and expand market access, particularly in export-oriented segments where certification and traceability are critical.
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