Eggs Are Safe to Eat in Winter, Says FSSAI; Cancer Claims Found to Be False

New Delhi:
Amid growing concern on social media about the safety of eating eggs, especially during winter, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a clear and reassuring statement. The country’s top food regulator has categorically denied claims that eggs contain cancer-causing chemicals and confirmed that eggs sold in India are completely safe for daily consumption.

The clarification comes after several viral posts and media reports alleged that eggs were found to contain nitrofurans, a group of banned veterinary antibiotics, and that their consumption could increase the risk of cancer. These claims triggered widespread anxiety among consumers, particularly families who rely on eggs as an affordable and nutritious protein source during colder months.

To address the concerns, FSSAI collected egg samples from multiple regions across the country and conducted detailed laboratory testing. According to the authority, the results showed no evidence that eggs available in the market pose any health risk.

FSSAI emphasized that the claims linking egg consumption to cancer are scientifically incorrect and misleading. The regulator stated that such unverified information has the potential to create unnecessary panic and harm public trust in safe, nutritious foods.

Nitrofurans are antibiotics that were once used in animal farming but are now strictly banned in India and many other countries due to potential health risks when misused. Social media posts suggested that these substances were found in eggs, raising alarms about long-term health effects.

FSSAI clarified that the use of nitrofurans in poultry farming and egg production is completely prohibited under Indian food safety laws. Any level of deliberate use is illegal and attracts strict penalties.

The authority also addressed confusion around so-called “trace limits” often mentioned in lab reports. According to FSSAI, these limits are set only for monitoring and analytical purposes, not because such trace levels are harmful to human health.

FSSAI explained that extremely minute residues, if detected during testing, do not automatically imply danger. These thresholds help regulators track and control food safety but should not be misinterpreted as proof of contamination or health risk.

On the health front, FSSAI made its position absolutely clear:
There is no scientific evidence—national or international—that proves eating eggs causes cancer.

The regulator confirmed that no recognized health organization, research institution, or global authority has linked normal egg consumption with an increased risk of cancer. On the contrary, eggs are widely recognized as a high-quality source of protein, vitamins, and essential nutrients.

According to nutrition experts and FSSAI guidelines, eggs can safely be included in a balanced daily diet, especially in winter when the body needs more energy and protein. Eggs provide:

• High-quality protein

• Vitamin B12

• Vitamin D

• Healthy fats

• Essential amino acids

For children, adults, and the elderly, eggs play an important role in maintaining muscle strength, immunity, and overall health.

FSSAI also cautioned against judging the entire egg industry based on isolated or brand-specific reports. In rare cases, irregular findings may occur due to feed quality, environmental factors, or technical issues—but that does not mean the entire supply chain is unsafe.

Drawing broad conclusions from such cases, the authority said, is both scientifically flawed and unfair to farmers and consumers alike.

FSSAI urged citizens to avoid trusting unverified social media posts and sensational claims related to food safety. People are advised to rely only on official statements, government advisories, and scientifically backed reports.

The authority reiterated that spreading fear without evidence not only misleads the public but can also negatively impact nutrition, especially in vulnerable groups.

Summing up its stance, FSSAI reaffirmed that:

• Eggs sold in India are safe

• Eggs do not cause cancer

• Nitrofurans are banned and strictly monitored

• Eggs remain an essential part of a healthy diet

Consumers can continue eating eggs without fear, including during winter, as part of a nutritious and balanced meal plan.