FSSAI Clears Eggs of Cancer Claims, Calls Social Media Posts Misleading

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has firmly rejected recent social media claims that link egg consumption to cancer. The food regulator clarified that eggs sold in India are safe for consumption and that such claims are scientifically incorrect and misleading. FSSAI warned that spreading unverified information can create unnecessary fear among consumers and urged people to trust only official and scientific sources.

False Claims About Harmful Chemicals in Eggs

Some viral posts on social media claimed that eggs in India contain nitrofuran metabolites, also known as AOZ, which were wrongly described as cancer-causing substances. Responding to these allegations, FSSAI stated that the use of nitrofurans is completely banned in poultry and egg production under Indian food safety laws. The regulator clarified that the presence of these substances in food is not permitted at any stage of production.

FSSAI explained that an Extraneous Maximum Residue Limit (EMRL) of 1.0 microgram per kilogram has been set for nitrofuran metabolites. However, this limit is meant only for monitoring and enforcement purposes. The EMRL represents the lowest amount that modern laboratories can detect. It does not mean that the substance is allowed in food. FSSAI stressed that detecting trace amounts below this limit does not pose any health risk and does not violate food safety standards.

Global Health Authorities Support FSSAI’s Stand

FSSAI noted that international regulators, including those in the European Union and the United States, also strictly prohibit the use of nitrofurans in food-producing animals. Importantly, no global health authority has linked normal egg consumption to cancer, the regulator confirmed.

Medical professionals have also supported FSSAI’s position. Dr Meghal Sanghavi, an oncosurgeon from Mumbai, stated that there is no proven link between eating eggs and cancer. He explained that large scientific studies have not shown eggs to be cancer-causing. According to him, cancer risk is influenced more by lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, alcohol intake, obesity, and lack of physical activity rather than any single food item. Dr Sanghavi added that because cancer is a feared disease, false information spreads rapidly online. People often blame one food or nutrient while ignoring overall diet and lifestyle patterns that truly affect health.

Are Eggs Safe for Daily Consumption?

Dietitians say that eggs are safe for most people when eaten in moderation. Dt Amreen Sheikh, Chief Dietitian at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, explained that eggs are rich in high-quality protein, vitamin B12, choline, and antioxidants.

She stated that one egg per day can be part of a healthy and balanced diet for most individuals, unless they have specific medical conditions.

Who Should Be Careful?

Experts advise that people with high cholesterol or certain metabolic conditions should adjust egg intake based on medical advice. For everyone else, properly sourced and well-cooked eggs are completely safe, Sheikh said. In its statement, FSSAI urged consumers to rely on verified scientific evidence and official advisories rather than social media claims. The authority reaffirmed that eggs remain a nutritious, safe, and valuable part of a balanced diet when produced and consumed according to food safety regulations.

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