FSSAI Declares Eggs Safe Amid Contamination Concerns
FSSAI's Assurance on Egg Safety
New Delhi, Dec 20: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has confirmed that eggs sold in India are safe for consumption, amidst rising worries about carcinogenic substances being detected in them.
The authority dismissed recent contamination allegations as “misleading,” asserting that such claims lack scientific backing and could unnecessarily alarm the public.
These statements follow various media reports and social media discussions suggesting the presence of nitrofuran metabolites (AOZ), which are known carcinogens, in eggs.
FSSAI officials clarified that the use of nitrofurans is strictly banned throughout all phases of poultry and egg production as per the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011.
They explained that an Extraneous Maximum Residue Limit (EMRL) of 1.0 micrograms per kg for nitrofuran metabolites is set for regulatory enforcement, representing the lowest level detectable by advanced laboratory techniques, and does not imply that the substance is allowed for use.
“Finding trace residues below the EMRL does not indicate a food safety breach or suggest any health risk,” an official stated.
FSSAI also highlighted that India's regulatory standards align with international norms.
Both the European Union and the US prohibit nitrofurans in food-producing animals and use reference points for action solely as enforcement measures. Variations in numerical standards across nations reflect differences in analytical and regulatory methods, not in consumer safety protocols.
Regarding public health, FSSAI referenced scientific studies showing no established link between low-level dietary exposure to nitrofuran metabolites and cancer or other negative health effects in humans.
The authority reiterated that no national or international health organization has linked regular egg consumption to an increased cancer risk.
In response to reports concerning a specific egg brand, officials noted that such findings are often isolated and specific to certain batches, typically resulting from accidental contamination or feed issues, and do not represent the entire egg supply chain in India.
“It is scientifically incorrect to generalize isolated lab results to label eggs as unsafe,” the regulator emphasized.
FSSAI encouraged consumers to trust verified scientific data and official advisories, reaffirming that “eggs are a safe, nutritious, and essential part of a balanced diet when produced and consumed according to food safety regulations.”