Fifteen Hospitalized Due to Milk Adulteration in Andhra Pradesh
Synopsis
The alarming situation in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, continues as 15 individuals remain hospitalized due to severe health complications from milk adulteration, which has tragically claimed five lives, including a young child.
Key Takeaways
Fifteen individuals hospitalized due to milk adulteration.
Five fatalities reported, including a young boy.
Government has halted milk supply from the affected dairy.
Medical teams deployed for investigation and support.
Authorities are actively testing and monitoring food safety.
Amaravati, Feb 26 (NationPress) Fifteen individuals impacted by milk adulteration in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, are still receiving medical care, according to officials' reports on Thursday.
This incident resulted in the tragic loss of five lives, while 15 others remain hospitalized across six facilities.
Among those hospitalized, one patient is currently on a ventilator, six are undergoing dialysis, and eight are on both ventilator and dialysis.
On Thursday, the government disclosed further details regarding the incident, which has sparked significant public outrage. An official statement outlined the actions taken by various departments in response.
Officials assured that the situation is under control, with senior personnel, including the Commissioner of Health and the Director of Food Safety, assigned to oversee developments.
Further actions will depend on laboratory results and ongoing investigations, they indicated.
The first patient was admitted on February 16, with a total of 20 individuals checked into hospitals by February 24, including the five who succumbed.
The deceased include a six-year-old boy, alongside three individuals in their 70s.
On February 22, the District Medical and Health Officer (DM and HO) for East Godavari received alerts from KIMS Hospital regarding multiple admissions of elderly patients exhibiting symptoms such as anuria (lack of urine output), vomiting, abdominal pain, and acute renal dysfunction necessitating dialysis.
Clinical assessments revealed acute renal failure, evidenced by elevated blood urea and serum creatinine levels, likely linked to toxic exposure.
Preliminary epidemiological studies strongly suggested that milk consumption was the probable source of the contamination.
Authorities discovered that milk had been distributed to 106 families from Varalakshmi Milk Dairy in Narasapuram Village, Korukonda Mandal.
In response, milk distribution from this dairy has been halted immediately. A household survey was conducted on February 25.
Nine medical teams were deployed to assess 110 families, covering a total of 307 individuals. Six homes were found locked during the survey, but families were contacted via phone and reported no symptoms.
Blood samples from 315 individuals were collected for testing. Only two exhibited elevated results, which were not linked to milk adulteration.
Officials stated that Rapid Response Teams, consisting of a district surveillance officer, general medicine specialists, microbiologists, pediatricians, forensic experts, epidemiologists, and nephrologists, have been formed.
Fourteen field surveillance teams visited 679 homes, screening 957 families.
Authorities collected 12 blood samples and three urine samples, which were sent to the Indian Institute of Technology, Tirupati, for GCMS testing to detect nephron toxins.
The Food Safety Officer conducted inspections at Varalakshmi Milk Dairy, Narasapuram Village, Korukonda Mandal, where milk was sourced. Surveillance samples of milk (500 ml each), paneer, ghee, drinking water, and vinegar were collected, along with an enforcement sample of milk.
Additional samples of milk and curd were collected from affected households. Surveillance samples of paneer, ghee, drinking water, vinegar, and milk were sent to JNTU, Kakinada.
Samples from affected households, including one surveillance and enforcement sample of milk from Narasapuram Dairy, were dispatched to VIMTA Lab, Hyderabad, for microbial and physio-chemical analysis, along with the detection of toxic adulterants.
Police have registered a case under Section 194 BNSS and Section 174 Cr.P.C based on a complaint from a victim's family member.
The suspected milk vendor, Addala Ganeswararao, aged 33, from Narasapuram Village, has been identified and taken into custody.
Investigations continue to identify milk suppliers, the distribution network, and affected consumers.
A team of four veterinary doctors is also investigating the case, having collected 41 milk samples.
Samples of concentrate feed, water, and dry and green fodder given to the animals have been collected for analysis of proximate principles and toxicology, with samples sent to VBRI (Veterinary Biological Research Institute), Vijayawada.
Point of View
This tragic incident highlights the urgent need for stricter food safety regulations to protect consumers and prevent such occurrences in the future. The loss of lives, especially involving vulnerable populations, demands accountability and swift action from authorities.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the hospitalization of 15 individuals in Andhra Pradesh?
The hospitalization was due to severe health issues resulting from milk adulteration, which has tragically claimed five lives.
What measures are being taken by the government?
The government has halted milk supply from the implicated dairy and initiated an investigation, along with deploying medical teams to assess affected families.
What symptoms did the affected individuals exhibit?
Affected individuals displayed symptoms such as anuria, vomiting, abdominal pain, and acute renal dysfunction requiring dialysis.
How many families received milk from the adulterated source?
Milk was supplied to 106 families from Varalakshmi Milk Dairy in Narasapuram Village.
What has been done to ensure food safety following this incident?
Authorities have conducted inspections, collected samples for testing, and formed Rapid Response Teams to manage the investigation and ensure food safety.
