Is your egg 'plastic' and watermelon 'color-injected'? FSSAI shares simple tests to check the purity at home

Whether it is about rotten and fake eggs being used in a Hyderabad bakery or market buzz about the chemically-treated watermelon, buying groceries, fruits, and veggies has become a challenging task where we often doubt every single food and think twice before buying. While many times this adulteration news is true, there are times when social media amplifies it unnecessarily. To stop this buzz, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has stepped in to debunk the misinformation. In a video shared on Instagram, FSSAI clarified that there is no scientific evidence to support the existence or sale of “plastic eggs” in the Indian food supply chain. The food regulator urged consumers to rely on verified information and avoid sharing unsubstantiated content that can create unnecessary panic.

What did FSSAI do?

The regulatory body posted an AI-generated video on Instagram, featuring an animated egg addressing the matter. It says, "Do I look like an artificial egg to you? Just because my yolks and white mix together doesn't mean I am fake. Yes, my shell gets dry when I lose moisture."

What are fake eggs

A fake egg is an artificially manufactured egg made using synthetic chemicals and materials instead of natural egg components. These eggs are designed to look like real eggs but are made with harmful substances.

How to conduct the purity test of eggs

According to FSSAI's viral Instagram post, you can follow the simple water test to know if your egg is fresh. All you have to do is fill a deep bowl or glass with cold water. Gently drop the egg into the liquid and observe how the egg behaves. If it sinks to the bottom, it is perfectly safe to eat. If it floats directly to the top of the water, this egg is old and should be discarded.

How to check purity of watermelon

For watermelon, FSSAI states that while injected watermelons might sound viral, the idea is not scientific. The FSSAI's post states, "The “dyed watermelon” myth simply doesn’t hold up scientifically. Dye cannot spread evenly inside the fruit. Also, needle punctures speed up spoilage and rotting, and the process is slow, costly and logistically not feasible for mass production." The post concludes with a note, "Don’t let misinformation spoil your summer. Enjoy your watermelon."