India's top food safety regulator has launched a nationwide drive to test eggs for potentially harmful antibiotic residues. The move comes in the wake of a growing controversy surrounding the quality of eggs, including those sold by the popular brand Eggoz.
Nationwide Sampling Drive Initiated
On Monday, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued directives to its regional offices across the country. The order mandates the collection of samples of both branded and unbranded eggs. These samples are to be sent to 10 designated laboratories for analysis. The primary target of the tests is to detect the presence of nitrofurans residues.
Nitrofurans represent a group of antibiotics that are banned for use in food-producing animals in India and globally. Health authorities have pointed out that if these prohibited drugs are used illegally in poultry farming, their residues can persist and enter the eggs meant for consumption.
The Eggoz Controversy and Company Response
The regulatory action was triggered by an online report that raised alarms about egg quality, specifically mentioning the Eggoz brand. The report suggested the possible presence of nitrofurans, sparking a public debate and forcing regulators to step in.
In response to the allegations, Eggoz issued a statement on the social media platform X, asserting the safety of its products. The company stated, "At Eggoz, the safety and trust of our consumers mean everything to us." They directed the public to lab reports dated December 25 available on their official website.
According to the information shared by Eggoz, the laboratory analysis of their samples showed no traces of banned antibiotics, pesticides, or drugs. The results for the tested substances were marked as "BLQ" or Below the Limit of Quantification.
Expert Warnings on Public Health Risks
While the immediate focus is on specific brands, medical experts emphasize that the core issue is far broader and more serious. They highlight the ongoing public health concern stemming from the misuse of antibiotics in poultry farming.
Prof. Chintamani, Chairman of Surgical Oncology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, explained the gravity of the situation. He noted that nitrofurans are banned worldwide because their residues can survive cooking processes and remain in the eggs. Citing animal studies, he linked long-term consumption of contaminated eggs to several severe health outcomes:
- Genetic damage
- Increased risk of cancer
- Potential harm to the liver and kidneys
The FSSAI's nationwide sampling exercise is therefore seen as a crucial step to assess the scale of the problem and enforce food safety standards, protecting consumers from these hidden dangers.
