When it comes to eggs, they are often considered a superfood rich in protein and other essential nutrients. From weight loss to boosting metabolism, eggs offer numerous health benefits. Protein, the building block of the human body, helps build, repair, and maintain tissues, forming the foundation of muscles, skin, hair, enzymes, and hormones. It acts as fuel that keeps you active throughout the day. Thanks to e-commerce platforms, eggs are now available at a single click. However, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has raised concerns over poor-quality eggs being sold via these platforms.
FSSAI Flags Quality Issues
According to a PTI report, FSSAI has sought an explanation from quick-commerce player Blinkit regarding consumer complaints about poor-quality eggs. Many consumers reported a bad odour and rubber-like texture, highlighting that e-commerce companies are responsible for the quality of products sold on their platforms.
Action Taken Report Sought
FSSAI took suo-moto cognizance of customer complaints on social media and wrote to Blink Commerce Pvt Ltd on Friday, directing them to submit a comprehensive action taken report (ATR) within a week. In an advisory dated December 3, 2024, FSSAI emphasized that compliance by e-commerce food business operators is crucial for ensuring the safety, quality, and authenticity of food products sold online. Any product claims on e-commerce platforms must align with the information on the physical label.
Compliance Requirements
E-commerce food business operators must have mechanisms to ensure that listed products comply with FSS (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. They should not list any seller without displaying a valid FSSAI license or registration.
Maintaining Egg Freshness
According to FSSAI, eggs maintain freshness for up to 10-12 days at room temperature (28±2°C), but shelf life shortens at higher temperatures. Temperature is crucial for freshness, with humidity also playing a role. Refrigerating eggs in designated shelves or cases is best. To maintain freshness, buy eggs from stores that keep them cool or in well-ventilated, covered areas. Avoid rough handling and leaving eggs in hot vehicles; refrigerate them once home.
Egg Quality Check at Home
FSSAI suggests a simple water test: fill a container with water and immerse an egg. A fresh egg lies flat at the bottom width-wise. A slightly older egg stands on one end at the bottom. A rotten egg floats. As an egg ages, the air pocket inside grows, causing it to float.
Importance of Eggs in Diet
Eating one egg daily provides 75-76 calories, 7-8 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, and 1.6 grams of saturated fat, along with nutrients that build muscles, boost immunity, and aid cell regeneration. With over 6 grams of protein per egg, it meets nearly half the recommended dietary intake for toddlers and a third for older children.
Three Common Ways to Enjoy Eggs
- Masala Egg Bhurji: Scrambled eggs cooked with onions, tomatoes, chillies, and Indian spices, served with toast or paratha.
- Veggie Omelette: A fluffy omelette with onions, capsicum, tomatoes, and coriander, cooked in ghee or oil, served with toast.
- Boiled Eggs with Spices: Hard-boiled eggs sliced and topped with chaat masala, pepper, green chilli, coriander, and lemon for a quick protein-packed meal.
