Srinagar, 13 December (H.S.): The Food Safety Department today collected 22 egg samples from multiple locations across Kashmir following allegations that eggs sold in the markets contain residues of carcinogenic veterinary drugs.

Officials said a video circulating on social media, naming a particular brand, prompted the Government to intervene and order district-wide sampling as a part of the probe.

“We are lifting samples from both organised and unorganised sectors. These will be sent for detailed laboratory analysis. Once the reports arrive, the situation will be clear,” an official said, urging consumers not to panic.

They added that the department initiated action as soon as the matter came to its notice.

“We have to move strictly as per the law, and all necessary samples are being collected,” the official said.

Another official told ‘Excelsior’ that twenty two samples were collected throughout the day in various districts of Kashmir. He said that the sampling drive will continue for the next few more days.

Notably, the latest scare has once again led to public criticism over what many see as the department’s failure to detect adulteration proactively.

Officials reiterated that the egg samples have been dispatched for testing and that further action will follow based on the laboratory findings.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar