Eggs have always been considered one of the most nutritious foods as they contain all nine essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals. A large egg contains 6-7 grams of protein as well as vitamins A, D, E, and B12, choline, lutein, zeaxanthin, and unsaturated fat. These can be easily eaten for breakfast or used in making many types of dishes. Recently, a video went viral on social media raising questions about Eggos, one of the premium egg brands. Trusted, a YouTube channel that reviews food and health products, released a video claiming that cancer-related chemicals were found in a sample of Eggos eggs. The news spread quickly on social media, leaving many people wondering whether eggs were still safe to eat.
What was found in testing?
Trusted reported in the video that when a batch of AGO’s eggs were lab-tested, the test report found a compound called AOZ at 0.73 parts per billion (ppb). AOZ is a remnant of a group of antibiotics called nitrofurans, which are banned in India because they are linked to gene toxicity, which means they can damage your DNA and increase your risk of cancer.
According to India’s official food regulatory body, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), even small amounts of this chemical are not allowed to be used. These chemicals are banned because nitrofurans can persist for long periods of time in chicken body tissues and even in eggs. If chickens are ever exposed to these antibiotics, their residues may later show up in eggs, even if the farm did not directly use the drug in that batch.
Egoz issued statement
After the video went viral, Egoz Nutrition denied using banned antibiotics and said their eggs are safe. The company said that it strictly checks the quality and follows all the rules of FSSAI. They also said they would conduct their own testing to confirm the results. The viral video has raised questions and concerns about the safety of eggs. Know what doctors have to say about this.
What do doctors say? Mumbai-based Dr. Manan Vora said in an Instagram video, “An orthopedic surgeon from Mumbai, citing a credible video on Instagram, said that testing of one batch revealed that it contained the banned drugs nitrofuran and nitroimidazole. This testing shows that there is a problem in one batch of eggs, and not any risk to all people who eat eggs. The amount found is very small and it may interfere with the normal use of eggs. No harm is expected.”
“The biggest problem is figuring out how these chemicals reach the eggs. They are genotoxic and can damage DNA and cause cancer. They are given illegally to hens to protect them from bacteria and increase egg production, especially in small-scale or unregulated poultry farming.”
“This means that in some places, chickens are given drugs they shouldn’t be given, or in very high doses. Such problems are mostly caused by supply chains, poor farming practices, and lax monitoring. It’s not because the eggs themselves are dangerous.”
How to eat eggs?
Dr Kanmani Govindrao Telkar, consultant breast cancer and reconstructive surgeon at Sparsh Hospital, Bengaluru, said, “There is no need to panic after seeing viral videos on social media about Eggos eggs, which claim that they contain a chemical called AOZ and it has been linked to cancer. This test was done only on one batch and does not prove that all eggs are bad or increase the risk of cancer.”
“AOZ may be a residue of an old antibiotic called nitrofuran, which is now banned in many countries. However, in very small quantities, it does not cause any immediate harm to the body. Eggs are a very nutritious food. They contain proteins, vitamins and many essential nutrients that the body needs on a daily basis. If you buy eggs from a clean and reliable place, there is no problem in eating them.”
“The viral video appears to be more of a scaremongering activity on the internet because the actual risk of cancer is much lower than the level suggested. I advise people to act sensibly rather than panic. Always buy eggs from FSSAI-certified or tested brands, boil or cook them thoroughly, and if a brand is in doubt, wait for the official report.
“We should be careful not only about what we eat, but also about whether any company is misusing antibiotics or chemicals. Therefore, it is important for the government and testing agencies to do regular testing. Overall, it is not right to stop or be afraid of eating eggs because of this video; just rely on reliable sources and correct information.”
The Connection Between Eggs and Cancer: Is There Really a Risk?
A 2022 meta-analysis found that eating more eggs may slightly increase the risk of death from cancer. However, there was no clear link between eggs and overall death or heart disease. Eating eggs daily may reduce the risk of ovarian, breast or colorectal cancer, as suggested in some previous research. Another study in 2024 clearly stated that there is “very little evidence” linking eggs to cancer. Cancer Research UK experts say that it is wrong to call eggs cancer causing. The truth is that there is no strong evidence for most foods, with the exception of red meat and processed meats, which are associated with increased risk.
Should we stop eating eggs?
Now the question arises whether we should stop eating eggs? The answer is no. Eggs are still considered a healthy and safe food for most people. Nutrition experts say that eggs are a great source of excellent protein, many types of vitamins and good fats. In India, FSSAI has made strict rules. Rules for eggs. These include:
Dangerous drugs (banned antibiotics) like nitrofuran or nitroimidazole should not be used.
Rules have been made to rear chickens in a clean and safe manner on the farm.
Store eggs in a cool place at 4–8 °C.
Check the eggs periodically to make sure they are free of harmful contaminants.
Eggs are safe to eat, provided you buy them from a trusted vendor or source.
