A forensic investigation has confirmed that milk consumed by residents in Rajamahendravaram in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district was adulterated with ethylene glycol, a toxic chemical commonly used as a coolant, according to district collector Kirthi Chekuri. The contamination is linked to a health incident in which four people died and at least 10 others were hospitalised after consuming milk supplied by a private vendor.
Authorities said the milk had been supplied to about 106 households in the affected locality, and several victims developed symptoms including vomiting, abdominal pain and kidney-related complications, with many cases involving anuria (inability to pass urine). Investigations indicated that ethylene glycol likely entered the milk due to a leak from refrigeration equipment used during storage or transport, leading to contamination.
Officials have sealed the unauthorised dairy unit and detained the supplier, while samples of milk and dairy products were sent to laboratories in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam for testing. Rapid response teams have also conducted door-to-door surveys and collected samples from 73 families, while veterinary teams examined 46 cattle linked to the supply chain.
The district administration said medical camps and continuous monitoring have been set up in affected areas, and further legal action will follow based on the final investigation results.
Source: Dairynews7x7 8th March Read full story here
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