Are eggs safe to eat? FSSAI clarifies on cancer claims
20 Dec 2025

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has debunked recent claims linking egg consumption to cancer.

The authority called the allegations "misleading, scientifically unsupported and capable of creating unnecessary public alarm."

In a statement issued today, FSSAI clarified that eggs available in India are safe for human consumption.

Concerns over nitrofuran metabolites in eggs
Clarification

FSSAI's clarification comes in response to media reports and social media posts claiming that nitrofuran metabolites (AOZ), substances allegedly linked to cancer, were found in Indian eggs.

The authority stressed that the use of nitrofurans is banned at all stages of poultry and egg production under the Food Safety and Standards (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Regulations, 2011.

FSSAI explains EMRL
Regulatory enforcement

FSSAI explained that an Extraneous Maximum Residue Limit (EMRL) of 1.0 ug/kg has been set for nitrofuran metabolites, but only for regulatory enforcement.

This limit is the lowest level that can be detected by sophisticated laboratory techniques and does not mean the substance is allowed.

An official from FSSAI said, "Detection of trace residues below the EMRL does not constitute a food safety violation nor does it imply any health risk."

Stance on nitrofuran use aligns with global standards
Global alignment

FSSAI also highlighted that India's regulatory framework is in line with international practices.

The European Union and the United States also ban nitrofurans in food-producing animals and use reference points for action or guideline values only as enforcement tools.

The authority noted that differences in numerical benchmarks across nations are due to variations in analytical and regulatory approaches, not consumer safety standards.

FSSAI cites scientific evidence against nitrofuran metabolites
Health concerns

On public health concerns, FSSAI cited scientific evidence showing no established causal link between trace-level dietary exposure to nitrofuran metabolites and cancer/other adverse health outcomes in humans.

The authority reiterated that no national or international health authority has linked normal egg consumption with an increased cancer risk.

This is to further assure the public about the safety of eggs in their diet.