A controversy has erupted after a report on Tirupati temple's prasadam. The report alleged adulteration in the ghee used for the prasadam laddus. The laboratory that conducted the testing is located in Anand, Gujarat, and is known as NDDB CALF.
What is NDDB CALF?
This laboratory evaluates milk and dairy products through stringent tests for all quality parameters. It was established in 2009 by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to cater to its cooperative and milk-producing institutions. Named CALF, which stands for Central Analytical Laboratory Facility, it conducts analyses on dairy products, foods, fruits, vegetables, animal feed, and genetics.
The laboratory employs a staff of 80, including 40 analysts who inspect and analyze the samples. Initially, only milk, dairy products, and animal feed were tested and analyzed. Over time, the lab was equipped with modern devices for analytical work. The testing scope expanded to include fruits and vegetables, fats and oils, honey, and water.
Additionally, the lab began analyzing pesticides, antibiotics, heavy metals, aflatoxins, and dioxins. CALF set up a facility for genetic testing to meet the needs of NDDB's breed improvement programs and semen testing centers.
CALF Achievements
In 2013, the laboratory achieved ISO 17025 certification for nearly 200 tests. Currently, it is accredited to perform about 3500 tests in various fields. In 2014, CALF became a FSSAI Referral Laboratory, marking a major milestone in dairy product analysis. By 2017, the lab was recognized by organizations like the Bureau of Processing and Processing Industries for its support of the dairy and food industry.
In 2018 and 2019, the lab received recognition from the Export Inspection Council (EIC) and APEDA respectively, leading to its designation as the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for dairy and dairy products in 2019.
Under NRL, the lab launched a new Proficiency Testing service in 2021. CALF established the country's first unique facility for analyzing milk fat purity, dioxins in dairy products, and honey authenticity. With financial assistance from the National Bee Board (NBB), CALF became the first accredited lab in India for authentic honey purity tests. To extend its reach and benefit across the country, NDDB CALF was incorporated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of NDDB on February 25, 2023.
Who Owns NDDB CALF?
NDDB CALF is a subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) managed by NDDB itself. Established by an act of Parliament, NDDB operates as an autonomous institution under the Department of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Government of India. Dr. Verghese Kurien, the father of India's White Revolution, founded it in 1965. It is headquartered in Anand and has offices across the country, with a board consisting of members from the animal husbandry and dairy industries to remain politically independent.
Until 2021, IAS officers served as chairpersons under the central government. Currently, Dr. Meenesh Shah, who has been associated with NDDB for over 35 years, serves as Chairman and Managing Director since 2022. He also chairs other organizations like IDMC, IIL, MDFVPL, NDS, MRIDA, and is a board member of the International Dairy Federation (IDF). In 2023, NDDB awarded him an honorary doctorate for his contributions to the dairy sector. Dr. Shah is a graduate in dairy technology with a postgraduate degree in rural management from the Institute of Rural Management, Anand.
NDDB holds national significance as it helps the central government in planning and implementing schemes for farmer and dairy product development. It is a national institution funded by the Government of India, with various subsidiaries under it, including NDDB CALF. NDDB is associated with approximately 1.90 lakh cooperatives, 245 milk unions, 22 federations, and cooperative institutions across India. It has about 1.5 crore farmers as members of its village-level societies.
