Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Dec 20: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Saturday categorically dismissed claims linking eggs to cancer, stating that eggs available in the country are safe for human consumption and scientifically sound. The food safety body added that recent alarmist reports lack credible evidence.
In a statement, the FSSAI, described the claims about carcinogenic substances in eggs as “misleading, scientifically unsupported and capable of creating unnecessary public alarm”.
The regulator clarified that allegations concerning substances such as nitrofuran metabolites, compounds occasionally mentioned in online posts, are unsubstantiated. It reiterated that the use of nitrofurans is prohibited at all stages of poultry and egg production under national food safety regulations.
The authority also explained that the Extraneous Maximum Residue Limit (EMRL) of 1.0 µg/kg for certain compounds exists solely for regulatory detection purposes and does not imply any permitted use or health risk. Trace residues below this threshold, officials said, do not constitute a food safety violation or pose any health concern.
Meanwhile, Smita Sethi, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, Jammu and Kashmir, said that the department relies strictly on scientifically verified evidence rather than social media posts or unverified reports.
“We have collected about 49 samples from markets over three days, Saturday, Sunday and Monday as part of a routine drive to verify the claims,” Sethi said, adding that laboratory testing generally takes up to 14 days and that “half that period has not yet elapsed.”
She said the department will issue conclusions only after test results are received.
Moreover, the clarification follows a viral social media scare triggered by a post alleging that eggs were carcinogenic, which led to confusion among consumers and temporary disruptions in local markets. (KNO)
