Milk adulteration case: Death toll rises to 16 in Andhra Pradesh

RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM: The death toll in the suspected milk adulteration case in East Godavari district has risen to 16, while three persons are undergoing treatment at hospitals in Rajamahendravaram, officials said on Sunday.

The incident dates back to mid-February, when adulterated milk supplied in parts of Lalacheruvu allegedly caused severe health complications among consumers, including vomiting, abdominal pain, anuria and acute renal dysfunction, leading to multiple hospitalisations.

The case came to light on February 22 after a cluster of patients showing symptoms of acute kidney failure was reported from Chowdeswaranagar and Swaroopanagar areas, prompting health authorities to initiate an epidemiological investigation.

According to an official press release issued on Sunday, laboratory findings revealed that all 16 victims died of multi-organ failure triggered by acute renal failure after consuming milk contaminated with the toxic substance ethylene glycol.

"Preliminary findings indicate that the victims suffered acute renal failure with elevated blood urea and serum creatinine levels, suggesting toxic exposure likely linked to contaminated milk consumption," the release said.

Milk supplied to over 100 families from a dairy unit in Narasapuram village under Korukonda mandal has been identified as the suspected source. Authorities said supply from the unit was immediately halted after it came under scrutiny.