Daijiworld Media Network - Amarvati

Amaravati, Mar 12: At least 13 people have died and 11 others are undergoing treatment after allegedly consuming adulterated milk in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, officials said.

The cases first surfaced on February 22 when several elderly residents developed severe symptoms such as anuria, vomiting, abdominal pain and acute renal dysfunction, requiring dialysis. The affected persons were rushed to hospitals for treatment.

Officials said seven patients are currently receiving treatment in hospitals in Rajamahendravaram.

Authorities launched an investigation after the cluster of illnesses was reported. Milk samples were sent for detailed laboratory examination, and preliminary findings suggested milk adulteration as the likely cause.

Medical examinations revealed elevated levels of blood urea and serum creatinine among the affected individuals, indicating possible toxic exposure.

Preliminary inquiries found that the milk consumed by the victims had reportedly been supplied to around 106 families by a local dairy unit, Varalakshmi Milk Dairy, located in the Korukonda mandal area. The milk supply was immediately stopped after 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 the district surveillance officer, physicians, microbiologists, paediatricians, forensic experts, epidemiologists and nephrologists have also been constituted to manage the situation.

Teams from the Food Safety Department inspected the dairy unit and collected samples of milk, paneer, ghee, drinking water and vinegar for laboratory testing.

The suspected milk supplier, Addala Ganeswararao (33), a resident of Narasapuram village, has been taken into custody, while the dairy unit linked to the supply has been sealed by authorities.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Telangana launched a statewide anti-adulteration drive to ensure the safety of sweets, snacks and milk products sold to the public.

During inspections conducted between March 2 and March 4, food safety teams checked 140 establishments and collected 221 food samples for laboratory analysis. Officials also discarded 12 unsafe food items and carried out eight seizures during the drive.

Authorities said regulatory action has been initiated against establishments found violating food safety norms, adding that the drive was undertaken to prevent food adulteration and safeguard public health, especially during the ongoing festival season.