Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered immediate investigation into reports of sale of adulterated eggs in the markets. National Conference MLA Tanveer Sadiq had said that the eggs consumed in the entire area contain residues of cancer causing drugs. In a formal communication issued by the Personal Section of the Minister of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), the department has directed the concerned authorities to immediately investigate/verify the matter and submit a report within two days, amid growing public health concerns.

The order came after the MLA’s warning

This directive comes after Sadiq warned that the drugs containing residues of nitrofuran and nitroimidazole are banned in food animals due to their cancer-causing and toxic properties. Must have been found in eggs available in local markets. Tanveer had said in a post that this matter is a serious threat to public health, because eggs are consumed extensively by children, elderly and patients. Remains the main protein source recommended by doctors.

Claim was made in the report

The controversy began when Trusted published a lab test report claiming that a batch of Eggos eggs contained residues of substances banned in poultry farming because they are genotoxic, meaning they can damage DNA and possibly cause cancer. The video claims that lab tests have found traces of nitrofuran and nitroimidazole in the eggs sold by AGOZ and these antibiotics are banned for use in poultry in many countries because their metabolites such as AOZ are considered genotoxic.

MLA requested the Health Minister

The MLA urged both the Health Minister and the FCS&CA Minister to immediately test the leftovers in all markets, identify the supply chain from where such eggs have come to the Valley, and initiate strict legal action against rule violators. Acting on the alert, the FCS&CA Minister tasked the Legal Metrology Department to verify the claims and submit its results as soon as possible.

The investigation is expected to include market inspection, sample collection, lab testing and tracing the distribution network. Officials said that if the presence of banned items is confirmed then strict action will be taken.