A suspected case of milk adulteration in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district has led to a tragic public health crisis, leaving 13 people dead and several others hospitalised. Authorities say multiple residents developed severe health complications after consuming milk supplied by a local dairy unit.
Symptoms and Medical Emergency
The first cases were reported on February 22, when several elderly residents began experiencing serious symptoms such as anuria (inability to urinate), vomiting, abdominal pain, and acute renal dysfunction. Many patients required emergency dialysis after being rushed to nearby hospitals.
Medical examinations revealed elevated blood urea and serum creatinine levels, indicating severe kidney damage likely caused by toxic exposure. According to officials, 11 individuals remain hospitalised, with some receiving treatment in hospitals in Rajamahendravaram.
Milk Supply Linked to Over 100 Families
Preliminary investigations suggest that the contaminated milk was supplied to around 106 families in a village in the Korukonda mandal region. The milk was reportedly distributed by Varalakshmi Milk Dairy, and authorities immediately halted the supply once the outbreak was detected.
Officials stated that strong epidemiological evidence points to adulterated milk as the probable source of the poisoning.
Food Safety Investigation Underway
Food Safety Department teams conducted an inspection of the dairy unit and collected multiple samples for laboratory testing, including:
- Milk
- Paneer
- Ghee
- Drinking water
- Vinegar
The suspected milk supplier, Addala Ganeswararao (33) from Narasapuram village, has been taken into custody, and the dairy unit associated with the supply has been sealed pending investigation.
Emergency Response and Medical Support
Authorities have deployed extensive medical support in the affected area. Measures include:
- Emergency medical camps in affected villages
- Round-the-clock ambulance services
- Rapid Response Teams comprising physicians, microbiologists, paediatricians, epidemiologists, forensic experts, and nephrologists
These teams are monitoring residents and providing immediate medical assistance to prevent further casualties.
Telangana Launches Anti-Adulteration Drive
In response to the incident, neighbouring Telangana initiated a statewide anti-adulteration inspection drive between March 2 and March 4 to ensure the safety of milk and dairy products during the festive season.
During the drive:
- 140 food establishments were inspected
- 221 food samples were collected for laboratory testing
- 12 unsafe food items were discarded
- 8 seizures were carried out
Officials said strict regulatory action will be taken against businesses violating food safety norms.
Growing Concern Over Food Adulteration
The tragic incident has raised serious concerns about food adulteration and dairy safety in India. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to strengthening surveillance, enforcing food safety regulations, and protecting public health.
Investigations are ongoing to identify the exact adulterant responsible for the poisoning and determine whether additional parties were involved in the supply chain.
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