Key Development

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has preliminarily concluded that ethylene glycol leakage caused the milk consumed by residents in East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, to become contaminated. The incident has reportedly led to cases of acute renal failure and anuria. During an inspection at Varalakshmi Dairy in Narsapuram village, Korukonda mandal, officials found that an improperly repaired refrigerator used for milk storage had leaked ethylene glycol into milk containers.

Use of Non-Food-Grade Chemical Suspected

Officials stated that ethylene glycol, commonly used as automotive antifreeze and coolant, is not suitable for food-grade refrigeration systems. Food-safe refrigeration systems typically use propylene glycol, which is considered safer. Authorities suspect that the use of ethylene glycol instead may have caused the contamination. Residents have also raised concerns about possible urea adulteration to increase milk thickness. Officials said they will investigate this angle further.

Health Camp Set Up as Fear Persists

Medical and health authorities have set up a health camp in Chowdeeswar Nagar to collect blood samples from affected consumers. Residents are voluntarily coming forward for testing, though anxiety remains high following reports of serious illness and deaths in the locality.

Source: Deccan Chronicle