Nitrofurans
Background
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) initiated a nationwide egg safety drive after a viral social media video alleged the presence of nitrofurans in eggs of a popular brand (Eggoz).
Nitrofurans are banned antibiotics in food-producing animals due to potential health risks.
The issue triggered public uproar, prompting regulatory intervention.
International context
The European Union has completely banned the use of nitrofurans in food-producing animals.
Many countries follow a zero-tolerance policy for nitrofuran residues in food.
What are nitrofurans?
Definition
Nitrofurans are a class of synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Common examples include:
Furazolidone
Nitrofurazone
Furaltadone
Furazolidone
Uses
Previously used in poultry, livestock, and aquaculture to:
Prevent bacterial infections
Promote growth
Now prohibited in most countries for food-producing animals.
Why are nitrofurans banned?
Studies have linked nitrofurans and their metabolites to:
Carcinogenicity (cancer-causing potential)
Genotoxicity (damage to genetic material)
Residues can persist in animal products like:
Eggs
Meat
Fish
How residues appear in eggs
Illegal or unregulated use in poultry feed or treatment.
Poor enforcement or lack of awareness among producers.
Metabolites of nitrofurans can remain detectable even after the drug is discontinued.
Regulatory position
Zero tolerance policy in the European Union.
In India:
Use in food-producing animals is banned.
Detection of residues constitutes a food safety violation under FSSAI norms.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. With reference to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), consider the following statements:
It is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
It functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
It regulates only the manufacture and sale of food articles in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct answer: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
Statement 2 is correct: It functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Statement 3 is incorrect: FSSAI regulates manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food articles.
This is a direct elimination-based question, common in recent prelims.
Q. Nitrofurans, recently seen in the news, are:
(a) Artificial sweeteners used in food processing
(b) Antibiotics earlier used in food-producing animals
(c) Naturally occurring toxins found in eggs
(d) Growth hormones permitted in poultry farming
Correct answer: (b)
Explanation:
Nitrofurans are synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotics.
They were historically used in poultry, livestock, and aquaculture.
Their use is now banned in food-producing animals due to health risks.