Haryana’s Poultry Eggs Under the Lens: Cyromazine Residue and Public Health Risks

A study by Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, found that Cyromazine residues in Haryana's poultry eggs remain within safe limits, with no detected Melamine contamination, posing no dietary risk to consumers. Continuous monitoring and responsible farming practices are recommended to maintain food safety.

Researchers from the Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology at Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, Haryana, conducted an in-depth study on the potential dietary risks associated with Cyromazine (CYR) and its metabolite, Melamine (MEL), in poultry eggs. The study, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, investigated how the widespread use of CYR as a larvicide in poultry farms may lead to residues in eggs. CYR is commonly used to control houseflies, which thrive in poultry manure, but concerns exist over its transformation into MEL, a compound known for its toxic effects, including kidney damage. The study aimed to assess whether eggs produced in Haryana contained harmful levels of these compounds and if they posed any risk to consumers. Given the increasing demand for eggs in India and Haryana’s significant role in egg production, the findings of this study are crucial for public health and food safety.

Eggs, Fly Control, and the Use of Cyromazine

Eggs are a vital source of high-quality protein in the Indian diet, and Haryana ranks among the top states in per capita egg availability, with an annual per capita consumption of 250 eggs. However, large-scale poultry farming leads to waste accumulation, creating a breeding ground for houseflies, which can spread diseases and cause health hazards. To tackle this issue, poultry farmers rely on insecticides and larvicides, including CYR, which is incorporated into poultry feed to prevent fly larvae from developing. While CYR is considered safe at regulated levels, its residues can transfer to eggs, necessitating regular monitoring. Regulatory authorities such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission have set a maximum residue limit (MRL) of 300 µg/kg for CYR in eggs, though no official limit exists for MEL. Since previous studies have shown that CYR residues can appear in eggs after being fed to poultry, this study aimed to verify the extent of its presence in Haryana’s poultry eggs and whether it posed any risk to consumers.

How the Study Was Conducted

The research involved collecting and analyzing 110 egg samples from poultry farms across five major districts of Haryana: Panchkula, Hisar, Ambala, Sirsa, and Panipat. These farms were chosen based on their history of CYR usage. The eggs underwent testing using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV), a sophisticated method for detecting chemical residues. Farmers who used CYR for fly control reported administering it at a dose of 5 mg/kg of feed in cycles of 45 days, ensuring that its use was controlled and not excessive. To assess the potential dietary risks, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of CYR from egg consumption was calculated based on the concentration of CYR in the samples and the average per capita egg consumption. The results were then compared to the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of CYR, which is 60 µg/kg body weight as established by FAO/WHO, to determine the level of consumer exposure and risk.

Key Findings: Are Haryana’s Eggs Safe?

The analysis showed that CYR was present in 25 of the 110 samples above the limit of quantification (16.0 µg/kg). The mean concentration of CYR was found to be 42.71 µg/kg, with a range of 16.88 to 112.61 µg/kg. However, all the tested samples remained well below the Codex MRL of 300 µg/kg, ensuring compliance with international food safety regulations. More importantly, MEL was not detected in any of the samples, suggesting that poultry feed practices in Haryana did not result in melamine contamination of eggs.

The dietary exposure assessment further confirmed that the estimated daily intake (EDI) of CYR was only 0.00738 µg/kg body weight per day, which accounts for merely 0.00443% of the ADI, an extremely low exposure level. The hazard quotient (HQ) was 0.00012, indicating that the presence of CYR in eggs posed no significant health risk to consumers. These results confirm that Haryana’s poultry farmers are adhering to safe agricultural practices, ensuring that eggs remain within safe consumption limits.

Ensuring Food Safety and Future Recommendations

While the study confirms that CYR residues in eggs do not pose any immediate health risks, it highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and surveillance. Regular testing of CYR and MEL residues in eggs should be an integral part of food safety regulations to ensure that residue levels remain controlled. The study also recommends alternative fly control strategies, such as improved waste management, proper manure disposal, and non-chemical interventions like fly traps and biological control methods.

The Central Pollution Control Board of India has issued guidelines for poultry farms that focus on proper manure disposal, hygiene, and pest control to reduce fly infestations. Ensuring that farmers follow these guidelines will further minimize the need for chemical interventions. Authorities should also conduct routine inspections to maintain food safety and prevent any potential misuse of CYR.

The study provides strong evidence that eggs produced in Haryana are safe for consumption, with CYR residues well below harmful levels and MEL absent. The findings should reassure consumers about the safety of poultry eggs while also emphasizing the need for continuous regulatory monitoring. Haryana’s poultry farmers are using CYR responsibly, ensuring compliance with food safety standards. However, long-term food safety requires a combination of responsible pesticide use, alternative pest control strategies, and strict regulatory oversight. By maintaining these practices, Haryana can continue to supply safe and nutritious eggs to millions of consumers.