Eggs safe for consumption; no cancer risk, asserts FSSAI

Amid the ongoing concerns of carcinogenic substances being found in eggs, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Saturday categorically stated that eggs available in the country are safe for human consumption.

Refuting the contamination claims as “misleading”, the regulator, in a statement, noted that “these are not supported scientifically and capable of creating unnecessary public alarm”.

This comes as in recent days several media reports and social media posts alleged the presence of nitrofuran metabolites (AOZ) -- carcinogenic substances -- in eggs.

The FSSAI officials clarified that “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”.

According to FSSAI, 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.