J&K Govt Launches Urgent Probe After Claims of Harmful Chemical Found in Eggs
Srinagar, Dec 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered an urgent inquiry into allegations of adulterated or contaminated eggs being sold in the local market, after a nationwide food safety scare triggered by a viral lab report claiming traces of banned nitrofuran compounds in eggs of a major Indian brand.
The decision came after MLA Tanvir Sadiq flagged the issue publicly on social media, warning that such adulteration could pose serious health risks if similar eggs were circulating in J&K. His posts referred to a now-viral investigation by an independent YouTube testing channel, which had reported the presence of AOZ, a nitrofuran metabolite, in eggs sold under the premium brand Eggoz.
The national report sparked massive concern because nitrofurans are banned in many countries for their potential genotoxic and carcinogenic effects. Although the detected AOZ level in the tested sample (0.74 µg/kg) was within India’s current permissible limit, the presence of any such residue created widespread anxiety among consumers. Medical educator Dr. Vora, who amplified the report online, called the findings “shocking”, further intensifying public worries.
Following the uproar, the office of the Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs in J&K took cognizance of the MLA’s alert and directed the Controller of the Legal Metrology Department to verify the matter immediately. The department has been asked to submit a detailed report within two days.
Officials said the probe will confirm whether adulterated or contaminated eggs are being sold in J&K markets and, if so, their source. They added that corrective action will be taken without delay to safeguard consumers.
Meanwhile, national experts have clarified that the viral report is based on a single batch test and does not automatically imply that all eggs are unsafe. But the controversy has renewed debate around India’s food safety standards, which differ from stricter global norms.
Across Kashmir, the news has left many buyers anxious, with several requesting clearer guidelines and more frequent testing of poultry products sold in local markets.
