Can Eggs Cause Cancer? What Doctors Say as Eggoz Faces Banned Chemical Accusations
Winter often sees a spike in egg consumption across Indian households. They’re affordable, nutritious, and a convenient source of protein, but the comfort of cracking open an egg was recently disrupted by a viral claim suggesting that eggs, or more specifically, Eggoz eggs, may be linked to cancer. The uproar began with allegations that a batch of eggs from the brand contained traces of banned substances known to be genotoxic.
So, do eggs really cause cancer, or is this controversy tied to one supplier?
Eggoz Controversy Explained
The debate began when a YouTube channel, Trustified, published lab results claiming that a sample of Eggoz eggs contained AOZ, a metabolite associated with the banned nitrofuran group of antibiotics. Nitrofurans are classified internationally as genotoxic, meaning they may damage DNA and could potentially raise long-term cancer risk.
The reported AOZ levels (around 0.74 µg/kg) fell within Indian regulatory limits but set off alarm bells because several countries enforce zero tolerance for such substances in poultry products.
What Eggoz and Doctors Say
Eggoz responded swiftly, stating that their products comply with FSSAI standards and that their farms follow controlled, traceable processes. The company has also announced further independent testing in an attempt to restore public confidence.
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Doctors, however, urge caution rather than panic. Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Manan Vora, who also addressed the issue on social media, described the findings as ‘shocking,’ especially from a brand marketed as antibiotic-free. He emphasised that the concern appears restricted to a particular batch, not eggs in general, but stressed the need for regulatory transparency and stricter oversight.
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Can Eggs Cause Cancer?
The broader question is whether egg consumption can cause cancer. Scientific research here offers mixed signals but no definitive proof.
A 2022 meta-analysis found a modest association between high egg intake and cancer mortality, while earlier observational studies hinted at links with breast, colorectal, or ovarian cancers. However, a comprehensive review in 2024 concluded that the evidence remains weak, inconsistent, and insufficient to label eggs as carcinogenic. Organisations like Cancer Research UK echo this stance, noting that only a handful of foods, such as processed meat, show strong cancer-causing potential.
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What Should Consumers Do Now?
For now, this controversy appears limited to one brand and one batch, not all eggs on the market. Experts maintain that eggs remain a healthy, nutrient-dense food when sourced responsibly. What this incident does highlight is the need for better food scrutiny, transparent labelling, and consistent enforcement of safety standards.
If you wish to play it safe, choose eggs from producers with clear testing records or trusted local farms with transparent practices. But there’s no scientific basis to stop eating eggs entirely.
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Image Courtesy: Freepik
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