Key Update

A new report claiming that certain eggs may cause cancer has sparked widespread concern. The controversy began on December 7, when the YouTube channel Trustified released a video alleging that eggs from Eggoz Nutrition contained illegal and genotoxic substances. In response, Dr Manan Vora, a Mumbai-based orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, posted an Instagram video on December 9 to clarify the findings. Later that day, Eggoz Nutrition issued a statement reassuring consumers that their eggs are safe.

Banned Genotoxic Substances Flagged

Dr Vora reported that Trustified’s tests detected two banned chemicals—nitrofuran and nitroimidazole—in a batch of Eggoz eggs. Poultry farms sometimes use these substances illegally to prevent infections in hens and boost egg production.

He highlighted that both chemicals are genotoxic, meaning they can damage DNA and potentially raise cancer risk. While the report triggered widespread claims that eggs cause cancer, he clarified that the real issue lies in the presence of these banned substances in a specific batch from a single brand. He stressed that these chemicals should never appear in eggs.

Questions About India’s Regulatory Tolerance

Shocked by the findings, Dr Vora questioned how a brand allegedly using banned substances continues to operate in India. He noted that while many countries enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy for such chemicals, India’s food regulator—the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)—reportedly allows certain tolerance levels.

He explained that these drugs are often used illegally to keep hens infection-free and stable, increasing egg production. Although Eggoz claims to avoid such practices, the tests found nitrofuran metabolite levels around 0.7, when the ideal level should be below 0.4. Many other countries do not allow any trace of these substances. Dr Vora also raised broader concerns about regulatory oversight, questioning why the brand continues to operate, whether regular testing occurs, and why FSSAI permits tolerance levels that other countries strictly ban.

Eggs Themselves Are Not the Problem

Dr Vora emphasised that the concern relates to a single test on one batch from a specific brand and does not imply that eggs in general are unsafe. He expressed personal disappointment, having consumed these eggs for a long time, but stressed that the findings apply only to that particular batch. He called for clear explanations from both Eggoz and FSSAI, praised independent testers for holding brands accountable, and highlighted the need for consistent regulatory oversight.

Eggoz Nutrition Responds

Eggoz Nutrition addressed the concerns in an Instagram post titled “Our eggs are safe for consumption”, reassuring consumers that their products comply with FSSAI standards. The company explained that it maintains strict quality controls across its farms and supply chain—including feed, farming practices, storage, transport, and delivery—and does not use antibiotics. To further ensure transparency and consumer confidence, Eggoz has also initiated additional testing through an independent NABL-accredited laboratory.

Source: Hindustan Times