New Delhi: Amid rumours of carcinogenic substances being found in eggs, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) categorically stated on Saturday that those available in the country are safe for human consumption.
FSSAI has said that the contamination claims are “misleading” and noted that “these are not supported scientifically and capable of creating unnecessary public alarm”.
There have been several media reports and social media posts recently on the alleged presence of nitrofuran metabolites (AOZ) – a carcinogenic substance in eggs.
“The use of nitrofurans is strictly prohibited at all stages of production of poultry and eggs under the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011,” FSSAI has said, as reported by IANS.
An Extraneous Maximum Residue Limit (EMRL) of 1.0 micrograms per kg has been prescribed for nitrofuran metabolites solely for regulatory enforcement purposes. This limit represents the minimum level that can be reliably detected by advanced laboratory methods and does not indicate that the substance is permitted for use, FSSAI has said.
“Detection of trace residues below the EMRL does not constitute a food safety violation nor does it imply any health risk,” an official noted.
India’s regulatory framework is aligned with international practices, the FSSAI has said.
The European Union (EU) and the US also prohibit the use of nitrofurans in food-producing animals and employ reference points for action or guideline values only as enforcement tools. Differences in numerical benchmarks across countries reflect variations in analytical and regulatory approaches, not differences in consumer safety standards.
“There is no established causal link between trace-level dietary exposure to nitrofuran metabolites and cancer or other adverse health outcomes in humans,” the FSSAI has stated, citing scientific evidence.
The FSSAI has reiterated that no national or international health authority has associated normal egg consumption with increased cancer risk, the authority reiterated.
Addressing reports related to the testing of a specific egg brand, officials explained that such detections are isolated and batch-specific, often arising from inadvertent contamination or feed-related factors, and are not representative of the overall egg supply chain in the country.
“Generalising isolated laboratory findings to label eggs as unsafe is scientifically incorrect,” the regulator stated.
The FSSAI also urged consumers to rely on verified scientific evidence and official advisories, reiterating that “eggs remain a safe, nutritious and valuable component of a balanced diet when produced and consumed in compliance with food safety regulations”.
