Andhra Milk Tragedy: 13 Die in Suspected Milk Contamination Case in East Godavari, Probe Underway

A suspected milk contamination incident in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh has resulted in 13 deaths, while seven others remain in critical condition at hospitals in Rajamahendravaram as of Thursday (March 12). The tragedy has shocked local communities and triggered a large-scale investigation involving multiple government departments.

The health crisis began on February 22 when residents of Chowdeswaranagar and Swaroopanagar localities in Lalacheruvu reported severe health complications. Most patients were elderly and experienced symptoms such as anuria, vomiting, abdominal pain and signs of acute kidney failure, with several requiring urgent dialysis.

Health officials later traced a common link among the victims: milk supplied by Varalakshmi Milk Dairy located in Narasapuram village of Korukonda mandal. Authorities said the dairy had distributed milk to around 106 households in the area before the supply was halted following the sudden spike in illnesses. Medical examinations of patients revealed unusually high levels of blood urea and serum creatinine, suggesting exposure to a toxic substance. Preliminary epidemiological findings indicated the milk supply as the likely source of contamination.

In response, authorities deployed Rapid Response Teams consisting of surveillance officers, doctors, microbiologists, pediatric specialists, nephrologists, epidemiologists and forensic experts. Emergency medical camps and ambulance services were set up in the affected neighbourhoods to provide round-the-clock treatment and monitoring.

Officials from the Food Safety Department conducted a raid on the dairy unit, sealing the premises and collecting samples of milk and other dairy products including paneer and ghee. Water and vinegar samples from the facility were also taken for testing. These samples have been sent to laboratories at JNTU Kakinada and VIMTA Labs in Hyderabad for detailed chemical, microbial and toxicological analysis.

Police detained the suspected vendor, Addala Ganeswararao (33), while forensic and CLUES teams inspected the dairy premises. Post-mortem samples from the deceased were forwarded to the Regional Forensic Laboratory in Vijayawada for examination. Authorities have registered a case and launched an investigation under relevant legal provisions to determine how the contamination occurred and whether adulteration was involved.

Meanwhile, the Animal Husbandry Department deployed veterinary teams to collect 41 samples of milk, cattle feed and water from the dairy and surrounding areas for testing at the Veterinary Biological Research Institute. Blood and urine samples from affected patients are also undergoing toxicology screening.

Although the exact contaminant has not yet been confirmed, investigators suspect the possibility of toxic chemicals such as ethylene glycol being present in the milk. Officials said efforts are underway to trace everyone who received the dairy's supply and ensure no further cases emerge, while strengthening oversight of dairy operations to prevent similar incidents.