Eggs in India are safe, cancer claims misleading: FSSAI

On public health concerns, FSSAI cited scientific evidence indicating that there is no established causal link between trace-level dietary exposure to nitrofuran metabolites and cancer or other adverse health outcomes in humans.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Saturday categorically stated that eggs available in the country are safe for human consumption, dismissing recent claims linking egg consumption to cancer as misleading, unscientific and capable of creating unnecessary public panic.

Responding to media reports and social media posts alleging the presence of carcinogenic substances such as nitrofuran metabolites (AOZ) in eggs, FSSAI officials clarified that the use of nitrofurans is strictly prohibited at all stages of poultry and egg production under the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011, ANI reported.

The food safety regulator explained that an Extraneous Maximum Residue Limit (EMRL) of 1.0 µg/kg has been fixed for nitrofuran metabolites purely for regulatory enforcement. This benchmark reflects the minimum level detectable through advanced laboratory techniques and does not imply that the substance is permitted for use. “Detection of trace residues below the EMRL does not constitute a food safety violation nor does it imply any health risk,” an official noted.

FSSAI also underlined that India’s regulatory approach is aligned with global standards, pointing out that both the European Union and the United States prohibit the use of nitrofurans in food-producing animals and employ reference or action levels only as enforcement tools. Variations in numerical limits across countries, the authority said, stem from differences in analytical and regulatory frameworks, not consumer safety norms.

On public health concerns, the regulator cited scientific evidence showing no established causal link between trace-level dietary exposure to nitrofuran metabolites and cancer or other adverse health outcomes in humans. It reiterated that no national or international health authority has linked normal egg consumption with an increased cancer risk.

Addressing reports involving testing of a specific egg brand, officials said such findings are isolated and batch-specific, often linked to inadvertent contamination or feed-related issues, and do not reflect the safety of the broader egg supply chain. “Generalising isolated laboratory findings to label eggs as unsafe is scientifically incorrect,” the clarification stated.

FSSAI urged consumers to rely on verified scientific evidence and official advisories, reiterating that eggs remain a safe, nutritious and valuable part of a balanced diet when produced and consumed in compliance with food safety regulations.