Andhra milk adulteration: Death toll rises to 13, seven undergoing treatment

Hyderabad: The death toll from a suspected milk adulteration incident in Andhra Pradesh's Rajamahendravaram has risen to 13, with seven others including three children still under treatment at local hospitals. Bandaru Veeralaxmi, 60, a Swaroopnagar resident who fell ill after consuming the milk on February 16, became the latest victim on Thursday.

All victims reportedly bought milk from the same vendor, affecting residents in the Chowdeswaranagar and Swaroopnagar areas of Lalacheruvu. Alarms spread through the neighborhoods as acute renal failure claimed lives starting February 22.

Medical tests revealed elevated blood urea and serum creatinine levels among the affected, pointing to toxic exposure. Preliminary investigation pinpoint milk as the primary source. The tainted supply came from Varalakshmi Milk Dairy in Narasapuram village, Korukonda mandal, reaching nearly 106 families before authorities halted distribution.

Milk, paneer, and curd samples have been sent to JNTU Kakinada and VIMTA Labs in Hyderabad for microbial, physio-chemical, and toxic adulterant analysis. Blood and urine samples from victims are undergoing detailed toxicological exams.

Police have detained the suspected vendor, Addala Ganeswararao, 33, from Narasapuram village, and sealed the dairy unit. Officials now suspect coolant leakage from a chilling tanker contaminated the milk with ethylene glycol a colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting antifreeze commonly used in vehicle radiators, coolants, and de-icing fluids leading to the 13 deaths in Rajamahendravaram.