The recent fake milk incident in Rajahmundry has triggered widespread alarm across the Telugu states after four people reportedly died and several others were hospitalized with kidney-related complications. Authorities said the victims had consumed milk supplied by a single vendor, raising serious concerns about food safety standards. The episode has left residents anxious about the quality of milk being sold in local markets.
Preliminary findings indicate that the milk was allegedly adulterated with hazardous substances such as maltodextrin, urea and detergent. Health experts have warned that consumption of such contaminated milk can lead to severe kidney damage and other life-threatening complications. The incident, reported from localities including Chowdeshwari Nagar and Swaroop Nagar, has intensified calls for stringent monitoring and strict action against those involved in food adulteration.
Experts say consumers can conduct simple tests at home to check milk purity. To detect water adulteration, a drop of milk can be placed on a smooth, slightly tilted surface. If it flows slowly while leaving a white streak, it is likely pure; if it runs quickly without leaving a trace, it may be diluted. To check for detergent, mixing equal quantities of milk and water and shaking the solution can help—excessive, thick foam that persists for long may indicate contamination.
To identify starch, adding a few drops of iodine solution to milk can be effective; a blue discoloration suggests the presence of starch-based additives such as rice flour or refined flour. For urea detection, experts recommend mixing soybean powder with milk and dipping red litmus paper into the mixture—if the paper turns blue, urea may be present. Pure milk generally tastes slightly sweet, while adulterated milk may have a bitter taste or a soapy odor, officials noted.