A suspected case of milk adulteration in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district has claimed 16 lives, District Medical Officer and Health Officer K. Venkateswara Rao said on Sunday.
He also said that three other people are still receiving treatment at hospitals in Rajamahendravaram, where doctors are closely monitoring their condition.
A preliminary epidemiological investigation found a strong association with milk consumption, suggesting that this was a likely source of exposure. Milk was distributed by Varalakshmi Milk Dairy to 106 families. According to ANI, the authorities immediately stopped milk supply to the dairy.
Earlier on February 22, KIMS Hospital in Rajamahendravaram noticed that several elderly patients were admitted with severe symptoms including anuria (no urine output), vomiting, abdominal pain and acute kidney dysfunction that required dialysis.
The residents who fell ill were from Chowdeswaranagar and Swaroopanagar localities in Lalacheruvu in Rajamahendravaram. Medical examination showed acute renal failure with markedly high blood urea and serum creatinine levels, strongly indicating toxic exposure.
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Authorities said the patients included the elderly and children, with several requiring dialysis and ventilator support. Emergency medical camps have been set up and surveillance measures have been put in place in affected areas.
Based on a complaint filed by the deceased woman’s son, Tadi Seetharamaiah, the police registered a case under Section 194 of the BNSS, which deals with unnatural deaths, on February 22. Police detained the suspected milk supplier while forensic teams inspected the premises and collected evidence, according to PTI.
At the same time, teams from the Animal Production Department took additional samples of milk, cattle feed and water for toxicology tests to identify possible external sources of contamination. Senior health officials and specialist doctors from Hyderabad have been tasked with overseeing treatment protocols and coordinating patient care across hospitals.
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Rapid response teams composed of medical specialists, epidemiologists and surveillance officers were formed to monitor the situation, conduct field visits and help identify symptomatic cases at an early stage.
Officials said house-to-house surveys were conducted among more than 300 people from affected families, during which blood samples were collected and tested. They added that most test results were normal.
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The food safety department also inspected the suspected dairy and collected samples of milk, curd, ghee, paneer, water and other materials. These were sent to several laboratories for microbial and chemical testing.
Authorities said the situation is now under control and further action will be taken based on detailed lab reports and probe findings.
UPFSDA anti-counterfeiting drive in Kanpur
Other News: The Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Authority (UPFSDA) in collaboration with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) conducted a major anti-adulteration drive in Kanpur which led to the seizure of over 13,000 liters of adulterated oil and over 1,000 kg of colored waste.
Officials also raided a counterfeit ghee manufacturing unit in Kalyanpur where the goods are standing ₹5.45 million was seized. According to an official statement, all the seized samples have been sent to a laboratory for detailed testing.
The campaign was launched across food outlets in the city ahead of the festival season. FSDA also conducts snap inspections in Lucknow during Ramadan and Holi. As part of the drive, surprise checks were carried out in cold stores and dairies. In one such raid, officials seized 1,320 kg of dates and also 1,418 kg of colorful kachris.
The statement mentioned, “Action has been taken at Swaroop Cold Storage in Aishbagh. Himalayan Cold Storage at Ayodhya Road has also been inspected and dairies in Havetmau area of Rae Bareli Road have also been raided while samples have also been taken from sweet shops. Food items have been seized from a trader’s warehouse in Aminabad. Strict action against adult prosecution is underway ahead of the festival.”
(With input from agencies)
