Hyderabad's Egg Supply Chain May Be Contributing To Childhood Stunting, Study Finds

Handling and sale of cracked eggs affect nutritional quality and safety of eggs.

Cracked eggs are often sold at lower prices, consumed by workers, or used by street food vendors.

Cracked shells can increase bacterial contamination if eggs are not inadequately cooked or cross-contamination occurs.

High temperatures and the lack of a cold-chain system during transport increase spoilage and reduce egg quality.

Study points to concerns regarding antibiotic use, feed contamination and limited awareness about food safety.

Damaged eggs sold to vendors at a lower price.

Cracked Eggs Stunt Children’s Growth, Finds Study

HYDERABAD: Gaps in food safety standards, inadequate cold storage infrastructure, seasonal fluctuations in egg consumption and the sale of cracked eggs could be contributing to childhood stunting in Hyderabad, according to a recent study examining the city's egg value chain by ICMR-NIN and international organisations.

The study, published in the journal ‘Food Security’, blamed several practices along Hyderabad's egg supply chain, such as the handling and sale of cracked eggs, for affecting both the nutritional quality and safety of eggs. Cracked eggs are often sold at lower prices, consumed by workers, or used by street food vendors.

Researchers warned that cracked shells can increase bacterial contamination and pose health risks if eggs are inadequately cooked or if cross-contamination occurs during handling and storage.

Seasonal factors were found to influence egg consumption patterns in Hyderabad. Demand for eggs tends to decline during the summer months due to consumer perceptions that eggs generate excess body heat and concerns about poultry diseases.

At the same time, high temperatures and the lack of a cold-chain system during transport increase spoilage and reduce egg quality. Researchers said reduced consumption of eggs, if not replaced with other nutritious foods, could negatively affect children's nutrient intake.

The study pointed to concerns regarding antibiotic use, feed contamination and limited awareness about food safety among stakeholders. Infrastructure gaps, particularly the lack of adequate storage and refrigeration facilities, were identified as major challenges affecting both egg quality and farmers' bargaining power.

The study was conducted as part of the UKRI-GCRF Action Against Stunting Hub project and involved researchers from international institutions and the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad. The authors from the city include NIN director Dr Bharati Kulkarni, scientist Dr Santosh Kumar Banjara and nutrition researcher Dr Archana Konapur.

Other stakeholders held perceptions that eggs from backyard farming of local breeds were considered healthier and sold to consumers at a higher price than those from commercial breeds. Small eggs from local breeds were mentioned multiple times as being healthier, and that they should be given to children, but did not seem to be demanded by consumers purchasing eggs from retail shops.

Farmers who have obtained a government contract to supply Anganwadi centres were described as selling to the government small eggs at the same price they sell big eggs to traders, making a higher profit:

“Few farmers are cheating; they give small eggs to Anganwadi centres and charge full price. Traders buy small eggs from farmers, saying that there is no demand and sell them at higher prices to the government. The fraud that is happening should be stopped, as our children are affected,” said egg industry representative in the study.