Bengaluru: Besides being a great source of protein, egg is one of the most nutritious foods and is popular across the globe.
However, there has been growing public concern in Karnataka over reports of cancer-causing substances being detected in some eggs.
The controversy erupted recently after Trustified published a lab test report claiming that a batch of eggs sold by Eggoz — a startup which positions itself as farm-to-fork brand promising “100% antibiotic-free” eggs with full traceability via QR codes on packaging — contained residues of banned genotoxic substances which are suspected to be carcinogenic, that can lead to cancer.
Consequently, the Food Safety and Standards Department is taking no chances, and has collected egg samples from over 200 locations across Karnataka, including Bengaluru, from supermarkets, malls and local markets for an urgent assessment.
The egg samples will be sent for laboratory testing, and once the results come, a detailed report will be prepared and submitted to the state’s Health department.
As the alleged lab test report went viral on social media, it triggered anxiety and panic among consumers.
Egg, after all, is much loved and part of daily diet for individuals of all ages, including kids and the elderly as it is packed with vitamins, minerals and nine essential amino acids which can deliver 6 to 7 grams of protein.
But can eggs really cause cancer?
Expert’s view
Mumbai-based orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Dr Manan Vora addressed the burning issue by sharing a video on his Instagram handle.
Revealing that he had consumed Eggoz eggs himself, Dr Vora termed the findings of the viral video as ‘shocking’ especially as Eggoz markets itself as antibiotic-free and premium quality.
“Eggs can cause cancer – you will see this all over your timeline today. Let me tell you what the truth is. There is a brand called Ego Nutrition GI. I also eat these eggs; so I am shocked as well. An independent YouTube channel called Trustified found certain banned substances inside this, which is shocking. In the report, two banned substances, nitrofuran and nitroimidazole, were found when these eggs were tested. Now, why are they banned because they are known to be genotoxic? It’s they can alter your DNA and potentially even cause cancer.”
He questioned why a brand exposed for using illegal substances continues to operate and thrive in the Indian market. He also slammed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) allegedly for permitting a certain tolerance level where an absolute zero-tolerance policy should be enforced.
Explaining the reason why banned substances were used, Dr Vora said: “Now you will ask, if this is banned, why did the brand (Eggoz Nutrition) use these drugs? Because they have been used in the hens to actually keep them away from bacteria, away from infection and keep them more and more stable so that they can produce more and more eggs. This is illegal in the poultry business. And this brand, which claims not to do any of this, has now been exposed to test nitrofuran metabolite A oz, which was found in the report to be around 0.7. It should have ideally been even below 0.4. Other countries have an absolute zero tolerance for these substances, and they should not be allowed at all,” he said.
Dr Vora, however, stressed that the exposure of the lab test result should not be a reason to shun eggs. “Eggs overall are not a scam. The concern is about certain suppliers, not the food itself,” he opined.
Eggoz’s response to controversy
Under-fire Eggoz, which supplied the questionable batch of eggs, stated that it maintains quality standards and zero-antibiotic use, asserting fresh independent testing.
“We are aware of a video that is currently being shared and understand that it may have raised some questions and concerns. We want to reassure our consumers that our eggs are safe for consumption and comply with the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). We take every care to maintain quality and safety at our farms and across the entire value chain which includes ensuring zero anti-biotic usage. Our process also includes sourcing best quality feed, to storage, transport and delivery, which is in line with established food safety practices. As an added measure to provide further reassurance to our consumers and other stakeholders, we have initiated additional testing through an independent NABL-accredited laboratory. We remain committed to transparency, safety, and earning the trust of everyone who chooses our products,” Eggoz said in a statement.
Scientific findings
Amid the uproar over safety of eggs, what does science say?
There have been debates whether eating eggs contributes to cancer risk. In 2022, a major meta-analysis said that high egg consumption was linked to a modest increase in cancer mortality, and found no strong association with cardiovascular disease or overall mortality.
In 2024, a report said that there is “little support” for a clear causal role of eggs in cancer. Experts, including those from Cancer Research UK, have emphasised that there is no strong evidence to classify eggs as carcinogenic.
