New Delhi, 20 December. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has completely rejected the cancer risk claims being spread regarding eggs, saying that the eggs available in the country are completely safe for human consumption. According to the authority, such news and claims being made on social media are not only beyond scientific facts but are also creating unnecessary fear and confusion among the public.
Responding to media reports and social media posts alleging the presence of alleged carcinogens like Nitrofuran Metabolites (AOZs) in eggs, FSSAI clarified that there is a strict ban on the use of Nitrofuran at all stages of production of poultry and eggs under the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxic Substances and Residues) Regulations, 2011.
EMRL is the regulatory limit, Micro residue not a health risk
The Authority stated that the Extraneous Maximum Residue Limit (EMRL) of 1.0 micrograms per kilogram for nitrofuran metabolites has been set only for the purpose of regulatory enforcement. This limit represents the lowest level detectable by modern laboratory techniques and does not mean that the substance is permitted for use. “The trace residues found below the EMRL are neither a food safety violation nor do they indicate any health risk,” an FSSAI official said.
India’s food safety system is at par with international standards
FSSAI also clarified that India’s food safety system is in line with international standards. Countries such as the EU and the US also ban the use of nitrofuran in food-producing animals and even there reference points are used only for monitoring and enforcement. The differences in numerical limits set in different countries are not due to differences in consumer safety standards, but due to differences in analytical and regulatory procedures.
No link between egg consumption and cancer or serious diseases
On public health issues, FSSAI cited scientific studies to say that no established causal relationship has been found between exposure to trace amounts of nitrofuran metabolites through diet and cancer or other serious diseases in humans. No national or international health authority has linked general egg consumption to an increased risk of cancer.
On matters related to investigation of a particular egg brand, FSSAI clarified that such incidents are isolated and batch-specific, which may often arise due to unintentional contamination or feed-related reasons. These do not represent the entire country’s egg supply chain. The authority said that it is scientifically wrong to declare eggs unsafe on the basis of some laboratory findings.
Appeal to ignore rumors and trust scientific facts
FSSAI has appealed to consumers to ignore rumors and rely only on verified scientific facts and official advice. The Authority reiterated that eggs are an important part of a safe, nutritious and balanced diet when produced and consumed in accordance with food safety standards.
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