The toll from alleged consumption of adulterated milk at Rajamahendravaram in eastern Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh has risen to six with the death of two more people, officials said, adding that preliminary investigations indicated that a refrigerant gas leak in the private company’s milk cooling unit led to the contamination.
G Veerapandian, state health commissioner, said a six-year-old boy and a 58-year-old woman died on Tuesday morning while receiving treatment. He added that at least seven others were in critical condition.
Veerapandian said forensic teams collected milk samples for examination and initial assessments indicate that a coolant leak may have contaminated the milk. He added that the exact reason and method of fraud will be determined after the investigation.
A second official said Varalakshmi Dairy was using ethylene glycol as a coolant in its refrigeration unit, which led to milk leakage and contamination, poisoning consumers.
“Ethylene glycol is commonly used as a coolant in automobiles and industrial chillers, but not in milk refrigeration units due to its high toxicity. Instead, food-grade propylene glycol is commonly used in the dairy and food industries as a safer alternative,” the official said.
Veerapandian said the victims had been buying milk from the same supplier for nearly a decade. Consumers first began to notice a change in the taste of the milk. Many quickly complained of vomiting and severe illness, forcing them to be hospitalized.
“Since all the victims belonged to the same area, the doctors were suspicious. The patients informed the authorities that the illness began after consuming milk. On 16 [February]The supplier delivered milk to 110 families. Blood samples were collected from 315 individuals and sent for testing. “We are waiting for the reports,” Veerapandian said. Adala Ganesh, who was running the diary, was arrested on Monday.
Deputy Inspector of Police Devakumar, the investigating officer in the case, said that Varalakshmi Dairy Company had been seized and was operating without a permit. He added that the investigation is ongoing and further measures will be taken based on forensic and forensic findings. Devakumar said regulatory loopholes and operation of unauthorized dairy units are being checked.
