Milk adulteration suspected in East Godavari deaths as officials halt supply and test samples

Health officials in East Godavari are investigating a suspected milk adulteration cluster after 12 deaths and multiple hospitalisations linked to acute renal dysfunction. The affected residents are from Lalacheruvu areas. Authorities stopped milk supply from a local dairy, set up emergency medical camps, and deployed Rapid Response Teams while the Food Safety Department collects samples for testing.

Twelve people died in East Godavari district in a suspected milk adulteration incident. Eight others were receiving care at different hospitals. Health officials linked the illness cluster to milk supply in Lalacheruvu. The affected families lived in Chowdeswaranagar and Swaroopanagar areas. Authorities stopped the suspected milk supply and began a multi-department response.

The health department first noticed the cluster on February 22 after several elderly persons fell ill. Patients reported anuria, vomiting and abdominal pain. Doctors also found acute renal dysfunction that required dialysis. Clinical tests showed raised blood urea and serum creatinine levels. Officials said these findings pointed to possible toxic exposure.

Milk adulteration probe in East Godavari district

Preliminary checks indicated a common supply line to 106 families. Officials suspected milk from Varalakshmi Milk Dairy in Narasapuram village, Korukonda mandal. The supply was halted as a safety step. The administration said strong epidemiological evidence suggested milk adulteration as the likely cause. Coordinated action was started across departments.

Emergency medical camps were opened in the affected localities. Doctors and ambulance services were deployed round the clock, officials said. Rapid Response Teams were also formed soon after the cluster was identified. The teams included the district surveillance officer and specialists in general medicine. Microbiologists, paediatricians, forensic experts and epidemiologists were also included.

Food Safety Department action in East Godavari district

The Food Safety Department inspected the dairy unit connected to the supply chain. Officials collected samples of milk, paneer, ghee, drinking water and vinegar. Teams also picked samples from homes of affected families. The samples were sent to JNTU Kakinada and VIMTA Labs in Hyderabad. Tests included microbial, physio-chemical and toxic adulterant analysis.

Officials also sent blood and urine samples for advanced toxicological examination. Police took the suspected milk vendor, Addala Ganeswararao 33, into custody. The dairy unit linked to the supply was sealed. CLUES and forensic teams checked the premises. Post-mortem samples were sent to the Regional Forensic Laboratory in Vijayawada.

Animal Husbandry Department response in East Godavari district

The Animal Husbandry Department formed a team of four veterinary doctors. The team collected 41 milk samples from the field. Cattle feed and water samples were also taken for checks. These were sent to the Veterinary Biological Research Institute in Vijayawada. Officials said the aim was to confirm if any contamination source existed at farms.

Police said an investigation was ongoing to map the distribution network. Teams were trying to identify all consumers who received the suspected milk. A case was registered under Section 194 of the BNSS and Section 174 of the CrPC. Officials said testing results would guide further action, as medical support continued for those under treatment.

With inputs from PTI