Significant Update

Officials from the Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration Department (TSFSDAD) on Thursday began inspecting cold storage facilities used by egg suppliers in Namakkal district. The inspections follow reports that contractors supplying eggs to the PTMGR (Puratchi Thalaivar MG Ramachandran) Nutritious Meal Programme had stored nearly 20 crore eggs in cold storage facilities.

In a letter dated May 27, Secretary to the Government M. Pallavi Baldev directed the Health and Family Welfare Department to initiate inspections through the Commissionerate of Food Safety. Authorities have also instructed officials from the Animal Husbandry Department, ICDS, and Social Welfare Department to verify storage facilities and submit a detailed report jointly.

Questions Over Long-Term Storage

The issue came to light after reports revealed that suppliers had purchased eggs at around ₹3.70 per piece in March and stored them for months, while the government continued to pay ₹5.63 per egg under the nutrition programme. The development has raised concerns about both procurement practices and the quality of eggs supplied to schoolchildren.

Food Safety Concerns Raised

Food safety experts and activists have warned that prolonged refrigeration may affect the nutritional quality of eggs and increase the risk of contamination by bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus. Parents have also expressed concern that storing eggs for extended periods could undermine the programme’s objective of providing fresh and nutritious food to children. Suppliers, however, have defended the practice, arguing that cold storage helps them manage fluctuating market prices and maintain a consistent supply throughout the year.

Advocate and activist Poomozhi, who first raised the issue, urged authorities to continue monitoring egg movement even after the inspections. He cautioned that suppliers could temporarily supply fresh eggs during inspections and later distribute stored eggs once official scrutiny subsides.

Calls for Strict Oversight

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai called for a thorough investigation and strict enforcement of food safety standards. Emphasising that the issue directly affects the health and well-being of lakhs of schoolchildren, he urged authorities to ensure transparent monitoring and accountability throughout the supply chain.

Source: The Times of India