BENGALURU: With rise in demand for eggs after the onset of winter, officials from the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) caution consumers to beware of fake eggs, called artificial or synthetic eggs.
The rate of eggs has reached its peak at the moment, with the retail price of eggs ranging from Rs 8-12 each, depending upon quality.
"Notices have been issued to all people in the network. Checks on all registered poultries and farms has intensified and efforts are being done to tap the unorganised sector, particularly those in peri-urban and rural areas. The issue of plastic, machine made, Chinese eggs and artificial insemination is being verified," an NECC official added.
The officials say fake eggs look like eggs, but in case of some, the outer shell is little soft or excessively hard, in some other they look cracked with grey lines or the yolk is bright orange coloured and hard.
MSR Prasad, Zonal Chairman of Hospet, NECC said, so far no cases of fake eggs have been found in Karnataka, but strict vigil is being kept. As all efforts are being done to ensure consumers are supplied farm fresh eggs, citizens must also exercise caution while purchasing.
"Ensuring good quality eggs is essential as it signifies the health of the nation. Eggs are the primary source of protein for people, particularly school children where eggs are supplied with meals to address their nutrition requirement. So farms are being tagged to tap the quantity and quality of supply," Prasad said.
As per NECC data, 2.5 crore eggs are consumed in a day by people in Karnataka. Of this, 80 lakh to 90 lakh eggs are consumed in Bengaluru. All India egg consumption is 36 crore to 37 crore per day. In other countries such as the US, UK, China and Japan, egg consumption on an average is 350 to 400 eggs per capita.
The NECC officials pointed that while egg consumption has increased in winters year-on-year, particularly among fitness conscious people, the per capita consumption is still less, compared to prescribed standards. The consumption in India is presently around 100-150 eggs per capita, while it should be 180 eggs per capita in case of egg consumers to have the required protein intake, the NECC officials said.
Nutritionists said that egg consumption is an easy and immediate source for protein. Each egg contains 6.5 grams of protein. For one kilogram of human body weight, one gram protein should be consumed. Along with eggs, consuming other items such as milk products and pulses along with meat or vegetables, every day is essential.
Noted nutrition and wellness expert Shalini Manglani said that egg is recommended as it easily absorbs into the body and is affordable compared to other non-nonvegetarian protein supplements. Its demand and consumption is gradually rising as it is recommended by pediatricians, doctors and other health experts.