Why in the News?
• FSSAI launched a nationwide egg safety drive. Triggered by allegations of nitrofurans residues in eggs
Regulatory Authority
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
• Regulates manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food
Trigger for Action
• Viral social media video alleging nitrofurans in Eggoz eggs
• Raised public health concerns
Action by FSSAI
• Directed Food Safety Officers to collect samples
• Sampling of branded and unbranded eggs
• Testing in 10 FSSAI laboratories across India
About Nitrofurans
• Synthetic antibiotics
• Banned in food producing animals
• Residues may occur due to illegal veterinary use
• Linked to carcinogenic risk
International Context
• European Union has banned nitrofurans in food producing animals
Company Response
• Eggoz assured consumer safety
• Committed to publishing lab reports publicly
• Reaffirmed compliance with food safety norms
Public Health Significance
• Strengthens food safety surveillance
• Protects consumer health
• Addresses risks of antibiotic residues and AMR
Prelims Pointers
• FSSAI functions under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
• Eggs are animal origin food products
• Antibiotic residue monitoring is part of food safety regulation
| In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as (2019)
(a) pesticides in agriculture (b) preservatives in processed foods (c) fruit-ripening agents (d) moisturising agents in cosmetics |
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