Behind the Viral Egg Scare: The Truth About the Eggoz Cancer Allegations, Explained By The Expert

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The internet hasn't talked about anything else for days. An independent consumer-awareness YouTube channel, Trustified, recently uploaded a video that sent the Indian egg market into absolute chaos. The creator claimed that a blind laboratory test detected AOZ, a metabolite of the nitrofuran antibiotic family, banned globally for its potential cancer-risk links, in eggs sold by Eggoz, a brand widely known for its "antibiotic-free," "farm-fresh," and "premium quality" promise.

The allegation struck a nerve. In a country where food-safety scares surface often, and regulation feels distant for the average buyer, even the idea that 'healthy eggs' might contain a cancer-associated chemical triggered instant panic.

What Sparked the Controversy?

Photo Credit: Eggos-egg-news

Nitrofurans are banned in poultry farming, both in India and internationally, due to potential risks linked to long-term exposure. Even small residue levels, if consumed repeatedly, may be problematic, which is why the claim set off public alarm.

The test that ignited this controversy wasn't done by a government body or major food-safety institution. It came from:

• A private YouTube channel focused on consumer awareness
• A third-party lab, according to the creator, has not made the full test report has not been made publicly available
• A blind sample collection, meaning the lab allegedly didn't know which brand each sample belonged to

This is important because while such independent tests can be valuable, they also raise questions about:

• Sampling process
• Batch size
• Cross-contamination
• Testing methodology
• Verification by regulatory agencies

So yes, the allegation is serious, but the transparency around the test is still incomplete.

Can Contaminants in Everyday Foods Increase Cancer Risk?

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"Food is one of the most basic sources of comfort, nourishment, and routine in our lives. Most of us trust that what reaches our plate is safe. But every few months, conversations around food contamination surface online, leaving people confused, anxious, and unsure of what to believe. As an oncologist, I am often asked one question: "Can chemicals in food really increase the risk of cancer?" said Dr Hitesh Singhavi, Consultant - Head and Neck Oncosurgery, KIMS Hospitals, Thane.

Harmful Effects Of Nitrofurans

Among the substances that raise the most concern are nitrofurans, a group of antimicrobial chemicals historically used in poultry and livestock to prevent infections. "When these chemicals break down, they form metabolites that can linger in animal products such as eggs, meat, and seafood. Global regulators have banned their use over the years, as studies have confirmed that nitrofurans and their metabolites are capable of damaging DNA, a process called genotoxicity. And if those DNA changes build up over time, the risk of cancer might rise," explained Dr Singhavi.

Eggoz's Stand and What's Missing

As of the latest public discussion:

• Eggoz has denied wrongdoing
• There is no official recall issued
• There is no statement from FSSAI confirming contamination
• The original test report has not been published for public audit
• This means consumers still don't have a complete, transparent picture.
• Independent tests can uncover real issues, but without official verification, the findings remain unverified allegations.

What You Should Know?

"It's important to understand that this isn't about one egg, one meal, or one day of eating something contaminated. Cancer is almost always the result of long-term exposure, multiple small hits to our cells over years or decades," highlighted Dr Singhavi. Think of it like a wall and tiny cracks forming in it. A single crack will never break the structure, but at the same spot, repeated cracks eventually can. Similarly, regular exposure to carcinogenic or genotoxic chemicals in food can slowly add to the general risk.

"Nitrofurantoin, a nitrofuran antibiotic-falls under Group 3: "not classifiable as to carcinogenicity to humans." Group 1 under IARC includes agents for which there is sufficient evidence that they cause cancer in humans. Neither Nitrofurantoin nor Nitrofurazone meets that threshold based on current evidence," warned Dr Singhavi.

What Should You Do?

So should we panic? Absolutely not. But should we be aware? Yes.

"We are more powerful as consumers than we often believe. Food chosen from regulated, transparent, and trustworthy sources does indeed make all the difference. Buying from reputable brands, certification checks, avoiding supply chains that are questionable or unverified-all these reduce the risk quite dramatically," advised Dr Sanghavi.

A varied diet is another simple yet powerful step, when you diversify what you eat, you naturally reduce the chances of being repeatedly exposed to any single harmful substance.

Message From The Expert

Unfortunately, cooking does not eliminate the residues of nitrofuran. These metabolites are quite stable and tend to withstand heat. "Therefore, the routine monitoring and strict enforcement by authorities become extremely vital. As citizens, support for better food-safety policy and information helps in keeping our ecosystems of food ecosystems safer for all," said Dr Sanghavi.

"The goal isn't to create fear around food. It is to build awareness. When consumers demand higher standards, industries respond. Safe food is a shared responsibility, and with the right choices and strong regulation, the risk can be minimized," concluded Dr Sanghavi.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.