At least 13 people have died and 11 others remain hospitalised in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district after allegedly consuming adulterated milk, officials said.
The incident first surfaced on February 22 when several elderly residents began experiencing severe symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, acute kidney complications, and in some cases anuria (reduced urine output). Many of the affected were rushed to hospitals for emergency care, with some patients requiring dialysis.
“The death toll in the suspected milk adulteration case in East Godavari district has risen to 13, while seven people are still undergoing treatment at hospitals in Rajamahendravaram,” a district official told the media.
Authorities promptly collected milk samples for detailed laboratory testing. Preliminary findings suggested that the milk was the likely source of the illness. Medical reports indicated elevated blood urea and serum creatinine levels among the patients, pointing to possible toxic exposure.
The milk was reportedly supplied to about 106 families by Varalakshmi Milk Dairy in a village under Korukonda mandal. Officials immediately stopped the supply once the incident came to light.
Emergency medical camps have since been set up in the affected areas, with doctors and ambulance services deployed round the clock. Rapid Response Teams — comprising district surveillance officers, physicians, microbiologists, paediatricians, forensic experts, epidemiologists, and nephrologists — were also formed to manage the situation.
The Food Safety Department inspected the dairy unit and collected samples of milk, paneer, ghee, drinking water, and vinegar for testing. The suspected milk supplier, Addala Ganeswararao (33), a resident of Narasapuram village, has been taken into custody, and the dairy unit has been sealed.
As a precautionary measure, neighbouring Telangana launched a statewide anti-adulteration drive from March 2 to March 4. During the drive, officials inspected 140 food establishments, collected 221 food samples for laboratory testing, discarded 12 unsafe items, and carried out eight seizures. Regulatory action has been initiated against businesses found violating food safety norms.
Food safety authorities said the intensified checks aim to curb food adulteration and protect public health, particularly during festival seasons when the demand for milk and sweet products rises significantly.
