Published Mar 22, 2026 | 3:43 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 22, 2026 | 3:44 PM
Representational image. Credit: iStock
Synopsis: 16 people have died and several remain hospitalised in Rajamahendravaram after consuming milk contaminated with ethylene glycol, a toxic coolant. The contamination, traced to a faulty freezer at a local dairy, caused acute kidney failure among victims. Authorities have arrested the milk trader, sealed the unit, and launched statewide inspections, raising urgent concerns over food safety enforcement and regulatory lapses.
A suspected adulterated milk incident in Rajamahendravaram has turned into a major public health crisis, with the death toll rising to 16 and several others still undergoing treatment for acute kidney failure, officials said.
The incident, which dates back to mid-February, came to light on 22 February after a cluster of patients from Lalacheruvu, including Chowdeshwarinagar and Swaroopanagar, were admitted to hospitals with symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, anuria and acute renal dysfunction.
According to official data, at least 20 people fell ill after consuming milk supplied by a local vendor. Of these, 16 have died over the past few weeks, including Pichuka Nageswara Rao, 72, who succumbed after nearly a month of treatment for kidney damage.
Three patients, including two children, remain under treatment, while one person has recovered and been discharged.
Medical examinations of the victims revealed significantly elevated blood urea and serum creatinine levels, indicating acute renal failure consistent with toxic exposure.
Investigations by the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) confirmed the presence of ethylene glycol, a highly toxic chemical commonly used as a coolant in industrial systems, in the milk samples.
Officials said the contamination likely occurred due to a leak from a damaged freezer used for storing milk at a dairy unit in Narsapuram village under Korukonda mandal. The coolant is believed to have mixed with stored milk and curd, which was later distributed to households.
“Ethylene glycol is not used in milk chilling systems because of its high toxicity. Its detection points to contamination likely caused by a malfunction or leak in the cooling equipment,” an official said.
Medical experts noted that ingestion of ethylene glycol can cause severe kidney damage within three to four days, matching the timeline in which victims developed symptoms after consuming the milk.
The contaminated milk was reportedly supplied to more than 100 families, with some estimates indicating up to 110 households across affected localities. Many of the victims had been consuming milk from the same supplier for years.
Residents reported that the milk tasted bitter on the day of supply, but the issue was not immediately flagged. Within days, several elderly consumers began experiencing symptoms and required hospitalisation.
Blood samples from over 300 individuals were collected during door to door surveillance, with most results returning normal. However, a few individuals with elevated creatinine levels were admitted for precautionary treatment.
Police have arrested the milk trader, identified as Addala Ganeswara Rao, and registered a case under provisions related to unnatural death. The dairy unit, Varalakshmi Milk Centre, has been sealed.
Investigators are also examining regulatory lapses, including the operation of the dairy without proper permissions and failure to report equipment malfunction.
A mechanic who repaired the milk chilling unit has also been questioned as part of the probe.
The Andhra Pradesh government launched a multi agency response involving the health, food safety, animal husbandry and police departments. Rapid Response Teams have conducted field surveys, while emergency medical camps have been set up in affected areas.
Health and Family Welfare Commissioner G. Veerapandian said that all patients are being provided free treatment, including dialysis and ventilator support where required.
“Since all victims belonged to the same locality and reported consuming milk from a common source, we suspected a point source exposure. Clinical findings supported acute renal failure due to toxic ingestion,” he said.
The incident has raised concerns over food safety enforcement and unregulated dairy operations in the region. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has sought a detailed report from the State government and is monitoring developments.
Officials have also announced a statewide inspection drive covering milk traders, manufacturers and storage facilities to prevent similar incidents.
Authorities said no large cluster of new cases has been reported recently, but surveillance continues in affected neighbourhoods. Doctors have been deployed round the clock, and health monitoring of residents is expected to continue for at least a month.
With forensic findings pointing to ethylene glycol contamination, officials said further action, including criminal prosecution and regulatory tightening, will follow based on final laboratory reports.
