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Industrial Toxin in Milk Kills 15 in India
18 Mar
Summary
- Ethylene glycol, an industrial coolant, was mixed into milk supplies.
- The contamination occurred between February 11 and 14 in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh.
- Fifteen families were affected, with the first death reported on February 22.
In a deeply disturbing event that unfolded in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, the alleged adulteration of milk with ethylene glycol has resulted in at least 15 fatalities. The contamination took place between February 11 and 14, impacting milk supplied to more than a hundred households in Chowdeshwari Nagar and Swaroop Nagar.
Victims began showing severe symptoms, including anuria, vomiting, and abdominal pain, from February 16. The first reported death occurred at Kakinada Government Hospital on February 22. Investigations by the Forensic Science Laboratory identified a damaged freezer as the source of the contamination.
The industrial coolant, ethylene glycol, is believed to have leaked from the freezer, mixing with stored milk and curd. This toxic mixture was subsequently consumed by residents, leading to the tragic loss of life and raising serious questions about food safety standards.
