Eggs sold across India are safe to eat, says FSSAI

India’s food safety regulator has dismissed claims linking eggs to cancer-causing substances, calling recent media and social media reports misleading and scientifically unfounded.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Saturday, December 20, 2025, issued a detailed clarification assuring the public that eggs sold across the country are completely safe for human consumption. The national food regulator moved swiftly to counter reports and social media posts alleging the presence of cancer-causing substances in eggs.

FSSAI strongly rejected claims suggesting that eggs contain carcinogenic compounds, particularly nitrofuran metabolites such as AOZ. It stated that such reports are misleading, lack scientific backing, and have unnecessarily triggered public fear. The authority underlined that no national or international health body has ever established a direct link between regular egg consumption and increased cancer risk.

The controversy gained attention following reports related to a batch of eggs from a popular brand, which allegedly showed traces of nitrofurans. These substances belong to a group of antibiotics that are strictly banned for use in food-producing animals. Clarifying the regulatory position, FSSAI officials pointed out that under the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011, the use of nitrofurans is prohibited at every stage of poultry production, including animal feed.

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Earlier this week, FSSAI had already instructed its regional offices to conduct laboratory testing of both branded and non-branded eggs to ensure compliance across the food supply chain and maintain transparency. These tests are aimed at monitoring safety standards and reinforcing consumer confidence.

Addressing concerns raised by the isolated report, FSSAI explained that laboratory findings are often batch-specific. Such traces, if detected, may occur due to accidental contamination or specific feed-related factors. The regulator cautioned against generalising isolated results to label the entire country’s egg supply as unsafe, stating that doing so is scientifically incorrect.

In its concluding remarks, FSSAI urged consumers to rely on science-based information rather than alarming digital content circulating online. Reaffirming its position, the authority said that eggs continue to be a nutrient-rich and essential component of a balanced diet, and there is no reason for the public to avoid them based on unverified claims.