Karnataka alone collected over 150 Eggoz samples, with 50 from Bengaluru, for analysis. Results are expected within 14 days.
Published Dec 20, 2025 | 12:27 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 20, 2025 | 12:27 AM
Representational image. Credit: iStock
Synopsis: FSSAI has ordered nationwide sampling of branded and unbranded eggs after allegations of banned nitrofuran antibiotic residues in Eggoz products. The probe follows a viral video claiming traces of AOZ metabolite. While Eggoz denies violations and cites environmental contamination, regulators are testing samples across states to assess compliance with food safety standards.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed its regional offices across the country to collect samples of both branded and unbranded eggs for testing, following concerns over the presence of banned antibiotic residues in products sold by popular brand Eggoz.
The food safety regulator has instructed officers to send samples to 10 laboratories to check for nitrofuran residues, a group of antibiotics prohibited for use in food-producing animals. Health authorities say residues can still enter eggs if such drugs are used illegally in poultry farming, prompting the nationwide sampling exercise.
The issue surfaced after a viral social media video in December 2025 alleged traces of banned antibiotic nitrofurans, specifically AOZ metabolite at 0.73 µg/kg, in Eggoz eggs. The claims sparked public concern over potential cancer risks and food safety.
In response, Eggoz issued a public clarification on Instagram on 9 December 2025, maintaining that its products are safe and fully compliant with FSSAI standards. The company attributed trace levels to environmental contamination from groundwater, feed or soil rather than direct antibiotic use, emphasising its strict zero-antibiotic policy across all farms.
Founder Abhishek Negi declared on social media: “No antibiotics, banned or otherwise are ever used on our farms. This is our life’s work.” The company shared NABL-accredited laboratory reports showing no banned materials, pesticides, heavy metals or residues above limits, committing to transparency by uploading December 2025 reports to its website with all results marked below the limit of quantification.
— Eggoz Nutrition (@EggozNutrition) December 9, 2025
FSSAI regional offices began sampling eggs following the December 2025 controversy. Karnataka alone collected over 150 Eggoz samples, with 50 from Bengaluru, for analysis. Results are expected within 14 days.
No violations have been confirmed yet. The tests will check for nitrofurans against stricter international zero-tolerance standards, compared with India’s allowance for trace environmental residues under the Extraneous Maximum Residue Limit of 1 µg/kg.
Eggoz emphasised its 11-layer safety checks, herbal feed and batch traceability system. The brand continues operations amid the ongoing probe.
“As promised, the latest lab reports of Eggoz egg samples (Dec 25) are available, and we are sharing them openly for everyone’s reference at www.eggoz.com,” the company said in a statement on X.
“At Eggoz, the safety and trust of our consumers mean everything to us. Thank you for your patience and for giving us the opportunity to clarify the facts. We will continue to uphold the highest standards across our farms and processes.”
An Important Update pic.twitter.com/lLVLlVyKAr
— Eggoz Nutrition (@EggozNutrition) December 11, 2025
Nitrofurans are a class of synthetic antibacterial drugs, including compounds such as nitrofurantoin, furazolidone and furaltadone. They are primarily used to treat bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections in humans and animals.
Regulatory bodies including FSSAI, the EU and FDA prohibit nitrofurans in food-producing animals because their metabolites persist in tissues for months or years, posing risks of chronic dietary exposure. FSSAI sets an Extraneous Maximum Residue Limit of 1 µg/kg for unavoidable environmental traces but aims for zero tolerance in cases of direct use.
The metabolites, such as AOZ from furazolidone, can remain detectable long after treatment, which is why these antibiotics are banned despite their effectiveness in treating infections.
Nitrofurans and their metabolites pose health risks primarily through chronic low-level dietary exposure from contaminated food such as eggs or meat.
The metabolites exhibit genotoxicity, leading to DNA damage and mutations. They also demonstrate carcinogenicity, with animal studies showing increased cancer risks, including bladder and colon tumours. Prolonged intake may additionally cause reproductive toxicity and developmental issues in offspring.
Another significant concern is antibiotic resistance, as dietary exposure can select for resistant bacterial strains. Cumulative exposure over time prompted global bans in food-producing animals, with FSSAI enforcing strict limits to minimise long-term harm.
No immediate acute effects occur at trace levels such as 0.73 µg/kg. However, regulatory authorities maintain stringent controls due to concerns over cumulative exposure throughout a person’s lifetime.
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
