'Misleading' egg packaging claims targeting consumers, says report

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

A recent report by 'Consumers for Sustainability' has raised serious concerns over the allegedly deceptive marketing practices by egg producers across India. The study, which examined over 150 egg variants nationwide, highlighted misleading packaging claims that affect consumers' health and well-being. With India being the third-largest egg producer globally, such practices are a growing concern. According to the study, several egg producers falsely advertise claims related to production practices, nutrition and health benefits. Key deceptive practices include unsubstantiated terms like "Free-Range," "No Antibiotics," and "Pollution Free," which mislead consumers into believing eggs meet higher ethical or environmental standards without proper certification.

Additionally, the study found that many nutritional claims lacked scientific backing, and health-related assertions were often exaggerated or false. The report also categorises misleading claims into five key areas: production, nutrition, health, vague wording and misleading images. Production-related claims such as "Happier Hens" or "Pollution Free" were particularly prevalent, while vague terms like "Healthy" were found to be unregulated and misleading. Images on packaging often further confuse consumers by portraying idealised conditions that are not reflective of the actual practices, the report asserted. The findings have prompted the authors to appeal to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to take immediate action. The letter urges FSSAI to ensure compliance with labelling regulations, initiate investigations into misleading claims, and penalise for false advertising. As part of their recommendations, the activists call for egg producers to review their claims and provide substantiation for health and nutrition-related statements.