Nitrofurans Detected in Eggs, Centre Issues Alert; Probe Yet to Begin in Muzaffarpur
Nitrofurans Detected in Eggs, Centre Issues Alert; Probe Yet to Begin in Muzaffarpur
Concerns over egg safety have surfaced across the country after reports of banned antibiotic residues being detected in eggs in Delhi, prompting food safety authorities to step in. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a nationwide alert and directed states to collect egg samples for laboratory testing as a precautionary measure. Despite this, Muzaffarpur district has yet to begin sample-based testing, with local authorities asserting that eggs sold in the area are safe.
Officials from the Animal Husbandry Department in Muzaffarpur have stated that extensive field inspections were carried out instead of laboratory sampling. According to the department, the health of chickens at all operating poultry units was assessed, and no abnormalities were found. On this basis, the department has maintained that eggs produced and sold within the district do not pose any health risk.
The district currently has 155 layer farms and 66 poultry farms in operation. Together, these farms produce nearly 11.8 lakh eggs every day, all of which are supplied to the local market. Authorities say this production is sufficient to meet the district’s daily consumption needs without relying on supplies from outside regions.
District Animal Husbandry Officer Dr. Manoj Mehta said that physical inspections were conducted at all poultry and layer farms, during which the birds were found to be healthy. He added that no complaints related to egg quality or health issues have been reported so far, which is why laboratory sample collection was not considered necessary at this stage.
Dr. Mehta also informed that block-level animal husbandry officers have been instructed to carry out regular monitoring in their respective areas. Continuous oversight of poultry operations will remain in place to ensure that production standards are maintained and consumer safety is protected.
Nitrofurans, the antibiotics at the center of the concern, are prohibited for use in food-producing animals under food safety regulations. According to reports, the issue gained attention following a viral test claim that suggested the presence of nitrofuran residues in eggs. In response to these reports, FSSAI ordered nationwide testing as a precaution, even though no official laboratory findings have been released so far.
While inspections in Muzaffarpur are ongoing, laboratory testing of eggs has not yet begun in the district. Authorities maintain that surveillance will continue, and further steps will be taken if required, as the national testing process progresses.
