The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has formally requested a detailed report from the Andhra Pradesh government regarding a tragic incident involving adulterated milk in East Godavari district. This incident has resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left approximately 15 others hospitalized. Official sources indicate that the FSSAI is closely monitoring the situation as investigations progress. The unfortunate events have drawn significant attention due to the serious health implications associated with contaminated milk consumption.

Deaths and Hospitalizations Linked to Contaminated Milk

In Rajamundry, preliminary findings have identified the consumption of a specific milk product as the primary cause of acute kidney complications observed in the affected population. Authorities have confirmed that tests conducted on the suspected contaminated milk have not revealed the presence of urea. This absence of detectable urea has raised questions about the precise nature of the contamination. The deceased individuals were among those believed to have consumed the same batch of milk linked to the hospitalizations.

Details on the Vendor and Investigation Measures

During the ongoing investigation, local authorities have taken significant steps, including detaining a milk vendor from Narasapuram village in Korukonda mandal. The vendor’s unauthorized dairy operation has also been shut down. As part of the inquiry, samples have been collected from 75 of the 105 families serviced by this vendor, with laboratory testing currently underway to uncover the underlying cause of the reported illnesses. Officials have established rapid response teams that include medical professionals, microbiologists, and nephrologists, dispatched to the affected areas for swift action.

Field Surveillance Actions and Findings

Furthermore, fourteen field surveillance teams have been mobilized to visit approximately 680 households, screening around 960 families in the region. During this comprehensive effort, more than 290 individuals from 110 families were identified for health assessment, leading to the collection of 315 blood samples for further testing. According to the district collector, out of the samples processed, 313 returned normal results, while two samples exhibited elevated levels of urea and creatinine, raising concerns about potential health risks.

Animal Husbandry Department Involvement

In response to the situation, the Animal Husbandry Department has established a specialized team of four veterinary doctors. These professionals are investigating the health safety of livestock by gathering 41 milk samples as well as samples of cattle feed and water. The collected materials have been sent to the Veterinary Biological Research Institute for thorough analysis, aiming to ascertain any potential links between the animals and the contaminated milk.

Ongoing Investigation and Police Findings

East Godavari District Collector Keerthi Chekuri has stated that coordinated actions among various departments have effectively managed the outbreak, ensuring that the situation remains under control. The police have also been investigating a possible chemical coolant leak from the vendor’s storage freezer as a potential cause of the fatalities. Initial assessments revealed that the vendor had been storing milk in a freezer equipped with containers and was reportedly filling cans for distribution from storage tanks, including some freshly sourced milk. Investigators are examining the possibility that one particular can of tainted milk was supplied to the households that experienced the tragic consequences.

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