Lab reports on Rajamahendravaram milk adulteration case expected this week, says official

The laboratory results of samples of the dairy products collected from the households in Rajamahendravaram, where four people died with symptoms of anuria, are expected between Wednesday and Saturday, Health and Family Welfare Commissioner G. Veerapandian has said.

Addressing the media along with Institute of Preventive Medicine (food safety wing) Director Neelakantha Reddy at his office in Mangalagiri on Tuesday, Mr. Veerapandian said ten samples of curd, ghee, paneer, and other products had been sent to laboratories in Hyderabad and Kakinada.

He clarified that no traces of urea were found in milk supplied to people in Rajamahendravaram. Even if milk is mixed with urea, the health complications would show up only after regular consumption over a long period, he said.

“The police investigation points to the contamination of milk with ethylene glycol, which is used as a coolant during the milk chilling process, he said, adding that medical experts believe that, unlike in the case of urea contamination, ethylene glycol could have immediate effects on health, within three to four days of consumption. However, clarity will emerge after the lab reports arrive,” he said.

Four people have died so far after reportedly consuming adulterated milk, while 15 are undergoing treatment. Of these, three are on ventilator support, two are on dialysis and three are on both ventilator and dialysis. The condition of seven people is critical, Mr. Veerapandian said. Among those receiving treatment are a five-month-old baby and two other children.

The Commissioner said medicines are being procured from Chennai and Mumbai for the quick recovery of the patients. “The milk was supplied to households on February 16 and there is a possibility of more people falling sick. The medical teams will remain stationed in the area until the situation improves, he said.

The Commissioner said all people who consumed the milk underwent blood tests, and two individuals were identified with elevated creatinine levels. They have been admitted to hospitals, and their condition is stable, the officials said.

Statetwide inspections

Following the Rajamahendravaram incident, Dr. Neelakantha Reddy said a Statewide drive will begin on February 25, as part of which inspections will be carried out at the units of milk traders, manufacturers, storage operators, and wholesale dealers.