Are brown eggs really organic? Here are expert tips to purchase healthy eggs

Do you always reach for the brown carton at the supermarket, believing those eggs are healthier, organic, or traditional, organic 'naadan' (country) eggs? It is a common consumer assumption, but it's scientifically and legally flawed.

Marketing commercial brown eggs as traditional country eggs is not just misleading, it could also land poultry sellers in deep trouble with the food regulator. Dr Harikrishnan S, Assistant Professor at the Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, explains what customers need to know.

The science behind eggshell colour
In reality, the colour of an eggshell has everything to do with the genetics of the hen and nothing to do with its nutritional value or how it was raised. Many high-yielding, commercially farmed hybrid chicken breeds are genetically programmed to lay deep brown eggs. Therefore, assuming every brown egg is a 'naadan' egg is scientifically incorrect. Authentic Indian country eggs are typically smaller, weighing around 45 grams, and usually present a very pale, light-brown hue. Deep brown country eggs are relatively rare and lightweight.

What FSSAI rules say about deceptive labelling
Under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018, all claims made on food labels must be truthful, clear, and unambiguous. Brands are strictly prohibited from using deceptive marketing tactics that lead consumers to make false assumptions about the poultry's source or breed.

Furthermore, the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 mandate that a food product's name must reflect its true nature. Labelling commercial brown eggs as 'naadan' to charge a premium violates this principle by giving a false impression of the poultry breed.

Heavy penalties for misbranding
Violating these guidelines carries severe legal and financial consequences. Under Section 53 of the FSSAI Act, 2006, publishing advertisements or labels that misrepresent the nature, substance, or quality of food can attract a penalty of up to ₹10 lakh. Additionally, Section 52 addresses misbranded food, imposing fines of up to ₹3 lakh. Food safety authorities can also order the immediate withdrawal or destruction of misleadingly labelled products.

Source over shell colour
Ultimately, food labelling should protect the consumer rather than exploit their lack of scientific knowledge. When purchasing eggs, the source and rearing method matter far more than shell aesthetics. Authentic 'naadan' certification should rely on genuine breed verification, not the mere colour of the shell.

How to purchase healthy eggs?
a) Look for the manufacturing date. If the egg carton is kept in the refrigerator, buy eggs with at least one month before the expiry date. If kept outside, look for at least two weeks before expiry.
b) Bigger eggs can have more protein content. Fitness-conscious people can opt for these eggs if interested.
c) Before cooking, drop the eggs in a water container. Those that float are spoilt, and those that drop to the bottom of the container are fit for consumption.