At least 13 people have died and several others remain hospitalised after allegedly consuming adulterated milk in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district, with the cluster of cases first emerging in mid-February when residents of Rajamahendravaram began reporting severe symptoms including vomiting, abdominal pain and anuria (inability to pass urine).
Health authorities said around 20 people developed acute renal failure after consuming milk supplied to nearly 106 households by Varalakshmi Milk Dairy in Narasapuram village under the Korukonda mandal region. Investigations have confirmed the presence of ethylene glycol a toxic chemical commonly used in coolants in the milk supply, suggesting accidental contamination or adulteration.
Authorities have arrested the suspected vendor, sealed the dairy unit, and launched a multi-department probe while emergency medical camps and rapid response teams have been deployed to monitor residents and provide treatment.
Residents Fall Ill As Authorities Trace Source Of Contamination
The incident came to light after multiple residents from neighbourhoods such as Chowdeswaranagar and Swaroopanagar in Lalacheruvu began reporting similar symptoms and were admitted to hospitals in Rajamahendravaram.
Doctors observed signs of acute renal dysfunction among the patients, including vomiting, abdominal pain, urinary blockage and elevated levels of blood urea and serum creatinine markers that often indicate severe kidney damage caused by toxic exposure. Health officials said several patients required dialysis, while some remained in critical condition in intensive care units.
According to district authorities, “the death toll in the suspected milk adulteration case in East Godavari district has reached 13, while several persons are undergoing treatment at hospitals in Rajamahendravaram.” Epidemiological investigations soon revealed that all affected individuals had consumed milk supplied by the same local vendor, prompting officials to halt the distribution immediately and begin testing samples from households and storage containers.
Further medical and forensic examinations pointed to poisoning by ethylene glycol, a highly toxic substance commonly used in antifreeze and refrigeration systems. Exposure to this chemical can lead to rapid organ damage, particularly affecting the kidneys and nervous system. Officials said approximately 20 individuals developed acute renal failure after consuming the contaminated milk, highlighting the seriousness of the outbreak.
Among the victims were elderly residents and at least one child, underscoring the vulnerability of communities to contaminated food supplies. Health teams conducted door-to-door surveys in affected localities and collected blood samples from dozens of residents to assess the extent of exposure and ensure early treatment for anyone showing symptoms.
Forensic Probe, Arrest And Emergency Measures
Preliminary investigations have linked the contaminated supply to a local vendor identified as Addala Ganeswara Rao, who allegedly operated the Varalakshmi Milk Dairy centre supplying milk to households across parts of Rajamahendravaram.
Authorities said the milk had been distributed to around 106 families, and the dairy unit has since been sealed while samples of milk, curd and other dairy products were sent to forensic laboratories in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam for detailed analysis. Police have arrested the vendor and registered a case as part of the ongoing probe into how the toxic substance entered the milk supply chain.
Investigators suspect that ethylene glycol may have leaked from refrigeration equipment used to store the milk before distribution. Reports indicate that the vendor stored milk collected from dozens of farmers in containers placed inside a freezer at his residence before delivering it to customers.
Authorities believe a leak from the cooling system or storage equipment may have contaminated the milk, though further forensic examination is underway to determine whether the contamination was accidental or the result of negligence. In response to the crisis, district authorities set up emergency medical camps in affected areas, deployed ambulances and doctors round the clock, and formed Rapid Response Teams comprising physicians, microbiologists, epidemiologists and nephrologists to monitor the situation.
The incident has also triggered broader food safety vigilance in the region. Food safety officials inspected the dairy unit and seized storage containers, milk stock and equipment used in the supply chain for testing. Veterinary teams also examined cattle linked to the dairy supply network, while health officials conducted community awareness campaigns advising residents to avoid consuming unpackaged or locally distributed milk until the investigation is complete. Authorities have emphasised that strict legal action will be taken if negligence or deliberate adulteration is confirmed.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This tragic incident once again highlights the devastating consequences of unsafe food practices and weak regulatory oversight in essential supply chains. Milk is one of the most widely consumed foods in India, particularly among children and the elderly, and any compromise in its safety can quickly escalate into a public health crisis.
While the swift response from medical teams and investigators is crucial in limiting further harm, the incident underscores the need for stronger food safety monitoring, transparent supply chains and stricter enforcement against unlicensed vendors or unsafe storage practices. Equally important is empowering consumers with awareness about food safety and encouraging communities to report suspicious products or unusual health symptoms early.
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