Four Die After Suspected Milk Adulteration in Andhra Pradesh

February 23, 2026

At least four elderly residents of Rajamahendravaram in Andhra Pradesh have died and several others fallen critically ill after consuming suspected adulterated milk, officials confirmed on February 23, 2026. Health authorities are investigating a possible link between the milk and an outbreak of anuria a condition marked by little or no urine output that can signal acute kidney failure.

The fatalities occurred among people aged above 70 from neighbourhoods including Chowdeswar Nagar, Swaroop Nagar and Diwancheruvu near Lalacheruvu, where dozens of residents sought medical help after developing severe symptoms including vomiting, abdominal pain and anuria.

Incident Details and Symptoms Reported

The cluster of illnesses began surfacing around February 15 when many locals reportedly fell sick after drinking milk from the same source. Victims complained of a bitter taste in the milk prior to their symptoms. Several elderly patients were admitted to private hospitals in Rajamahendravaram before being transferred to the Government General Hospital in Kakinada, where four succumbed to complications attributed to suspected acute kidney failure.

The deceased have been identified as:

• Bhagashetty Kanakaratnam (76)

• Tadi Krishna Veni (85)

• N. Seshagiri Rao (72)

• Radha Krishnamurthy (74)

All four passed away while undergoing treatment after blood tests revealed kidney damage consistent with acute renal issues.

Milk Adulteration Under Scrutiny

Preliminary investigations indicate that the affected individuals had consumed milk supplied by the same local milk trader from Korukonda mandal. Health and food safety teams have detained the suspected vendor, collected milk and biological samples from patients, and sent them for forensic testing to laboratories in Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad.

East Godavari District Medical and Health Officer K. Venkateswara Rao noted that early medical assessments pointed toward acute kidney failure rather than an infectious disease, and all test samples are being analysed to confirm whether contaminants in the milk were responsible for the illnesses.

A Rapid Response Team has been formed to conduct house-to-house surveys to identify any other possible cases and to monitor the situation. Officials are also closely reviewing the milk supply chain from production to distribution to find any breach of food safety standards.

Government and Health Department Actions

The East Godavari District Collector, Kirthi Chekuri, has ordered an intensive probe, instructing health officials to maintain constant surveillance and ensure proper treatment for affected patients. Over a dozen people remain under medical care, including some in critical condition.

In addition to the medical response, the food safety department has been directed to assess compliance with food safety norms under the Food Safety and Standards Act. Depending on laboratory findings, authorities could take legal action if adulteration is confirmed.

Local legislators and health representatives have urged residents to avoid consuming unverified milk supplies and to report any unusual symptoms promptly to health workers. Public health campaigns are underway to raise awareness about safe food consumption standards.

Public Reaction and Health Concerns

The incident has alarmed residents across Rajamahendravaram, particularly within the affected localities. Many community members reported fear and anxiety about consuming daily food items, especially milk a staple in many households. Calls for stricter regulation and regular testing of milk and dairy products have gained momentum.

Experts stress that while milk adulteration has been a longstanding challenge in many parts of India, cases leading to fatalities highlight stark lapses in food safety enforcement and the urgent need for systemic reforms.