No trace of urea has been found in the milk supplied to people in Rajamahendravaram, says Health and Family Commissioner G. Veerapandian. | Photo credit: File Photo
Laboratory results of milk samples collected from households in Rajamahendravaram, where four people died with symptoms of anuria, are expected from Wednesday to Saturday, Health and Family Commissioner G. Veerapandian said.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, along with Institute of Preventive Medicine (Food Safety Wing) Director Neelakantha Reddy at his office in Mangalagiri, Mr. Veerapandian said that ten samples of curd, ghee, paneer and other products have been sent to laboratories in Hyderabad and Kakinada.
He clarified that no trace of urea was found in the milk supplied to people in Rajamahendravaram. According to him, even if the milk is mixed with urea, health complications would become apparent only with regular long-term consumption.
“Police investigations point to contamination of the milk with ethylene glycol, which is used as a refrigerant in the milk cooling process,” he said, adding that medical experts believe that unlike urea contamination, ethylene glycol could have immediate health effects within three to four days of consumption. However, it will become clear only after the laboratory reports are delivered,” he said.
So far, four people have died after allegedly consuming adulterated milk, while 15 are receiving treatment. Of these, three are on ventilator support, two on dialysis and three on ventilator and dialysis. The condition of seven people is critical, Mr. Veerapandian said. Among those treated is a five-month-old baby and two other children.
The Commissioner said that medicines are being procured from Chennai and Mumbai for the speedy recovery of patients. “Milk was delivered to households on February 16 and there is a possibility that more people will fall ill. Medical teams will remain in the area until the situation improves,” he said.
The commissioner said all the people who consumed the milk underwent blood tests and two individuals were identified with elevated creatinine levels. They have been admitted to hospitals and are in stable condition, officials said.
Nationwide inspections
After the Rajamahendravaram incident Dr. Neelakantha Reddy said the state-wide drive will begin on February 25, under which inspections will be carried out at the units of milk traders, manufacturers, warehouse operators and wholesalers.
Published – 24 Feb 2026 21:15 IST
