Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Dec 11: After the frozen-meat scandal, eggs have come under the scanner in Kashmir, where a food-safety scare has erupted over allegations that locally sold eggs contain residues of carcinogenic veterinary drugs, prompting an urgent Government probe.
The alarm was raised after NC spokesperson and MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, shared “laboratory findings” indicating traces of these banned substances in eggs.
Calling it a grave public-health threat, Sadiq said he was “deeply concerned by reports of nitrofuran and nitroimidazole residues being detected in eggs-drugs that are strictly banned in food-producing animals because of their carcinogenic and toxic effects.”
Following the MLA’s alert, the Personal Section of the Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs issued a formal communication directing the authorities to verify the claims and submit a detailed report within two days.
The official letter acknowledged that Sadiq’s post had highlighted the alleged sale of adulterated eggs containing carcinogenic components, raising serious public-health concerns.
Sadiq stressed that the matter was particularly serious because “eggs are consumed heavily by children, senior citizens, and patients. Doctors often prescribe eggs as a primary source of protein, making this a direct public-health risk.”
He also urged Health Minister Sakina Itoo and Food & Supplies Minister Satish Sharma to intervene immediately.
“I urge the Hon. Health Minister @sakinaitoo Sahiba and Hon. Food and Supplies Minister @satishsharmajnk Ji and their Department of Food & Supplies and Food Safety authorities to immediately investigate, conduct residue testing across markets, trace the source, and take strict action against violators.”
He stressed: “For the safety of our people, there can be no compromise. This must be treated with utmost urgency.”
Following the alert and the directives issued by the Department, Food Safety authorities are expected to begin immediate sampling and laboratory testing.
At the same time, the Government has assured that the necessary action will follow once the results are confirmed.
Notably, the scare has already triggered widespread public concern, amplified by online posts linking the alleged contamination to a specific brand.
Officials, however, have urged citizens not to jump to conclusions until official laboratory results are released.
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