AP: Milk contamination kills four, eight hospitalised
Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said he had reviewed the situation with senior officials and sought comprehensive updates.
By - Newsmeter NetworkPublished on : 23 Feb 2026 3:31 PM IST
Rajamahendravaram: Four people have died and eight others have been hospitalised in a suspected adulterated milk incident in Rajamahendravaram, prompting the Andhra Pradesh government to order a high level inquiry and statewide review of food safety monitoring.
The cluster of acute kidney failure cases emerged from Lalacheruvu, including Chowdeshwarinagar, Swaroopa Nagar and Chandni Nagar. Patients were admitted with symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, reduced urine output and severe renal dysfunction.
Laboratory findings showed elevated blood urea and serum creatinine levels, indicating acute kidney injury.
Of the 12 hospitalised so far, four have died. The deceased have been identified as Krishnaveni, 74; Radhakrishnamoorthy, 76; Sheshagiri Rao, 72; and Ramani, 58.
Eight others remain under treatment, including two on ventilator support. Most of the affected are elderly, aged between 60 and 82 years, though two children are also undergoing treatment.
Minister seeks detailed report
Speaking from Amaravati on February 23 in assembly, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said he had reviewed the situation with senior officials and sought comprehensive updates.
The Minister asked officials to report on the extent of milk, edible oil and other food sample collection across the State and the status of laboratory results. He specifically sought details on the number of samples collected in Rajamahendravaram and the progress of their testing.
He directed officials to submit immediate reports and ensure that patients admitted to hospitals receive the best possible medical care.
Officials informed the Minister that milk and related product samples collected from the trader had been sent to accredited laboratories for analysis. They said laboratory results could take up to 72 hours. Blood samples from hospitalised patients are also being tested to determine the exact cause of kidney failure.
Authorities are simultaneously collecting health data from residents living in the affected neighbourhoods to identify any additional cases or emerging symptoms.
Senior officials dispatched
On the Minister’s instructions, Health and Family Welfare Commissioner G. Veerapandian left Amaravati for Rajamahendravaram to oversee the response. The Director of the Institute of Preventive Medicine, Dr Neelakantha Reddy, also travelled to the city to review sample collection and epidemiological findings.
Dr Reddy interacted with affected families to gather details about milk consumption patterns and coordinated with food inspectors regarding sample collection and follow up action.Preliminary field inquiry traced the milk supply to a dairy unit in Narsapuram village of Korukonda mandal, which reportedly supplied milk to more than 100 families in the affected localities.
The trader linked to the supply chain is being questioned.District Medical and Health Officer Dr K. Venkateswara Rao said preliminary epidemiological assessment suggests a common source exposure.
“Most patients consumed milk supplied by the same vendor. Clinical indicators show acute renal injury. We are awaiting laboratory confirmation to establish the exact cause,” he said.The district administration has deployed medical teams for door to door surveillance and set up medical camps in Lalacheruvu and surrounding areas.
Officials said no new cases have been reported in the past 24 hours, but monitoring continues as laboratory results are awaited.The government has assured strict action if adulteration or contamination is confirmed.
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