Ufaq Fazal
Srinagar, Dec 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered an urgent investigation into alarming reports of adulterated eggs being sold in local markets, following concerns raised by NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq about the presence of banned drug residues in eggs.
In an official communication issued by the Personal Section of the Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), authorities have been directed to “examine/verify the issue urgently and submit a report within two days” regarding alleged adulteration and the presence of carcinogenic and toxic substances in eggs.
The directive comes after MLA Tanvir Sadiq, citing public inputs, warned that nitrofuran and nitroimidazole residues—drugs strictly prohibited in food-producing animals due to their carcinogenic and toxic effects—were reportedly being detected in eggs available in the market.
Sadiq said the matter poses a direct public-health threat, especially as eggs are consumed heavily by children, elderly people, and patients, and are often prescribed by doctors as a primary protein source.
He urged the Health Minister and the Minister for Food & Supplies to conduct residue testing across markets, trace the source of the adulterated products, and take strict action against violators.
Taking cognisance of the issue, the FCS&CA Minister has asked the Legal Metrology Department to verify the reports and furnish its findings to the government at the earliest.
The investigation is expected to cover market checks, sample testing, and tracing of supply chains to determine whether banned substances have indeed entered the food system.
Authorities have assured that strict action will follow if violations are confirmed.
