Food Manifest 
Key Update
Four people died, and 12 others were hospitalised over the past two days after allegedly consuming contaminated milk in Rajamahendravaram, East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh. Preliminary investigations indicate the milk caused acute renal failure, including sudden urinary blockage. Most victims are over 60 years old.
Suspected Chemical Contamination from Freezer
Police suspect a chemical coolant leak from the vendor’s freezer as the source of contamination. The vendor stored milk at his residence in two freezer containers and filled six cans from storage tanks for distribution. Some cans contained freshly collected milk, which may have reached households where deaths occurred. East Godavari police sent all milk and storage samples to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Vijayawada for detailed testing.
Vendor Detained and Dairy Unit Sealed
Authorities detained the milk vendor and sealed the unauthorised dairy unit. Police registered a case under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for alleged murder. Legal action will follow after forensic results and post-mortem reports.
Food Safety Measures and Public Health Response
East Godavari District Collector K. Keerthi Chekuri constituted a Rapid Response Team to investigate. Teams are conducting door-to-door surveys, providing medical aid, and collecting milk, water, and stool samples for laboratory analysis. District Medical and Health Officer V. Venkateswara Rao reported that patients showed nausea, vomiting, and reduced urine output. Officials advised the public to consume only properly boiled milk until investigations conclude.
Government Assurances and Compensation
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced ₹10 lakh compensation for each family of the deceased and said the government will cover all medical costs for hospitalised victims. FSSAI teams are inspecting milk collection and distribution points across the State to prevent further risks. YSRCP chief Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy criticised lapses in food safety enforcement and urged authorities to monitor patients closely, deploy expert medical teams, and take immediate corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
Source: Deccan Chronicle
