Egg adulteration scare: FSD launches valley-wide drive to collect samples

Idrees Bukhtiyar
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12 Dec 2025

Srinagar, Dec 12: Following concerns raised by National Conference (NC) legislator Tanvir Sadiq over alleged adulteration of eggs, the Food Safety Department (FSD) on Friday said it has launched a valley-wide inspection drive to collect samples for testing. Speaking to the media, Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety Department Srinagar, Yamin Ul Nabi, said sampling is underway in Srinagar and other parts of the valley. “We have collected several samples, and they will be sent for analysis. We are expecting the results soon, and the situation will become clear,” he said. On the reported presence of carcinogenic elements in eggs, Nabi said it would be premature to draw conclusions. “Nothing can be said unless the samples undergo detailed analysis,” he said. He added that samples have been collected from multiple locations, including downtown Srinagar. “We also visited five to six supermarkets in Srinagar but haven’t found anything adulterated so far,” he said. Nabi urged the public not to panic until the test results are out. “There is no need to panic as of now,” he said. Hilal Ahmad Mir, Nodal Officer, Food Safety Department Kashmir, told Rising Kashmir that a two-day drive has been initiated to collect samples. “We have directed all districts to collect samples on Friday and Saturday,” he said. The J&K government has ordered an urgent investigation into allegations of adulterated eggs being sold in markets after concerns were raised by legislator Tanvir Sadiq regarding possible toxic and carcinogenic residues. On Thursday, Sadiq expressed serious concern over reports claiming the presence of nitrofuran and nitroimidazole residues - both banned substances in eggs sold in the valley. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sadiq said he was “deeply concerned” by reports that these drugs, known for their carcinogenic and toxic effects, were being detected in eggs despite being strictly prohibited for use in food-producing animals. He noted that the issue poses a significant public-health risk, particularly because eggs are widely consumed by children, senior citizens, and patients. “Doctors often prescribe eggs as a primary source of protein, making this a direct public-health risk,” he wrote. Sadiq had urged J&K Health Minister Sakina Itoo and Food & Supplies Minister Satish Sharma, along with their respective departments and food-safety authorities, to launch an immediate investigation. He called for residue testing across markets, tracing the source of contamination, and taking strict action against those found guilty. “For the safety of our people, there can be no compromise. This must be treated with utmost urgency,” Sadiq added. His remarks follow growing controversy over allegedly detected traces of antibiotics linked to cancer risks in the premium egg brand Eggoz. Following Sadiq’s post, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Satish Sharma issued a letter to the Controller, Legal Metrology Department, seeking immediate action to address the concern. The department has been directed to examine and verify the issue urgently and submit a report within two days for the minister’s perusal. This is not the first such incident in the valley. In recent months, the department has seized thousands of kilograms of rotten meat, stale fish, and low-cost dressed chicken unfit for human consumption.