Namakkal, Tamil Nadu:
The Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration Department (TNFSDAD) has announced that it will collect egg samples from 300 poultry farms across Namakkal district following allegations that cancer-causing chemicals were found in eggs sold by a private company.
The decision was taken during a consultative meeting between TNFSDAD officials and office-bearers of the Poultry Farmers Association, held in Namakkal on Wednesday.
Dr. Thanga Vignesh, Designated Officer of TNFSDAD for Namakkal district, categorically dismissed the allegations, stating that eggs produced and exported from Namakkal are completely safe.
“There is no chemical contamination in eggs produced in Namakkal. Samples from all 300 poultry farms will be collected, tested, and the results will be announced within a week,” he said. He further added that similar testing will be conducted across poultry farms throughout Tamil Nadu to ensure consumer confidence.
Reinforcing the industry’s stand, National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) Chairman K. Singaraj said there has been no instance of egg adulteration in the history of the sector.
“These rumours are completely baseless. Eggs are one of the safest and most nutritious foods. The public should not panic and can continue consuming eggs without fear,” he stated.
Industry Calls for Calm
Poultry farmers and associations have urged consumers not to fall prey to misinformation, emphasizing that India’s egg production follows strict feed and safety standards. Namakkal, often referred to as the egg capital of India, supplies eggs across the country and to international markets, making quality assurance a top priority.
Food safety officials said the testing drive aims to maintain transparency, protect consumer trust, and counter misinformation surrounding egg safety.