FSSAI Rejects Claims Linking Eggs to Cancer, Calls Reports Misleading

FSSAI officials said that using nitrofurans is completely banned at all levels of chicken and egg production as per the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxic Substances and Residues) Regulations, 2011.

The regulator clarified that an external maximum residue limit (EMRL) of 1.0 µg/kg has been set for nitrofuran metabolites—but this is only for regulatory enforcement purposes. This limit represents the minimum level that can be reliably detected by advanced laboratory methods and does not indicate that the substance's use is permitted. An FSSAI official said, "Detection of trace residues below the EMRL is not a food safety violation nor does it pose any health risk."

The FSSAI stated that India's regulatory framework is in line with international practices. The European Union and the United States also ban the use of nitrofurans in food-producing animals and use only reference points or guideline values ​​as enforcement tools. The authority stated that differences in numerical standards across countries reflect differences in analytical and regulatory approaches, not differences in consumer safety standards.

Regarding public health concerns, the FSSAI cited scientific evidence to state that there is no established causal relationship between dietary exposure to trace levels of nitrofuran metabolites and cancer or other adverse health outcomes in humans.

The regulator reiterated, "No national or international health authority has linked normal egg consumption to an increased risk of cancer." Responding to reports related to testing of a specific egg brand, officials clarified that such findings are sporadic and batch-specific, often due to inadvertent contamination or feed-related factors, and do not represent the overall egg supply chain in the country.

"It is scientifically incorrect to declare eggs unsafe based on a few isolated laboratory findings," the statement said. FSSAI urged consumers to rely on verified scientific evidence and official advisories, and reiterated that eggs remain a safe, nutritious, and valuable component of a balanced diet when produced and consumed in compliance with food safety regulations.