NHRC Sounds Alarm on Food Safety: Adulterated Milk Claims 16 Lives in Andhra Pradesh
(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
New Delhi/Hyderabad, March 27, 2026 – In an instant move highlighting systemic lapses in food safety and public health, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken Suo motu cognizance of the shocking deaths of 16 individuals in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district due to consumption of adulterated milk since mid-February.
The commission has issued formal notices to the state’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP), demanding a comprehensive report within two weeks.
The tragedy unfolded in the Lalacheruvu, Chowdeshwarannagar, and Swarupnagar areas, where residents fell victim to milk contaminated with ethylene glycol a highly toxic industrial chemical commonly used in antifreeze.
This deadly adulterant triggered multi-organ failure, leading to severe symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, anuria (inability to urinate), and acute renal dysfunction.
Media reports, first highlighted on March 23, 2026, revealed that the contamination stemmed from a dairy in Narsapuram village, which supplied milk to over 100 households in the region.
At least four other individuals exhibiting similar symptoms remain under medical treatment, underscoring the ongoing public health crisis.
The NHRC’s intervention stems from the grave concern that, if the reports hold true, they reveal serious violations of fundamental human rights most notably the right to life and health enshrined under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
The commission has directed authorities to submit a detailed report covering three critical aspects the current health status of affected individuals, the progress of the criminal investigation into the contamination source, and any compensation disbursed to the next of kin (NoK) of the deceased.
This two-week deadline aims to expedite accountability amid growing concerns over adulteration in essential food supplies.
The incident first came to light in mid-February when families reported a cluster of illnesses among vulnerable groups predominantly elderly persons and young children who consumed the tainted milk.
Local health officials traced the ethylene glycol back to the Narsapuram dairy, prompting raids and sample testing.
However, questions linger about regulatory oversight, as the dairy continued operations despite early complaints, raising alarms over enforcement by bodies like the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
This case echoes broader challenges in India’s dairy sector, where adulteration scandals have repeatedly endangered lives, from melamine-tainted milk in the past to recent chemical dilutions.
Human rights advocates hail the NHRC’s proactive stance as a vital check on state machinery, potentially setting precedents for faster victim relief and stricter vendor monitoring.
State officials have yet to respond publicly to the notices, but the pressure mounts as grieving families demand justice. The NHRC’s action serves as a stark reminder that access to safe food is not just a regulatory matter but a fundamental human right.
