A group of veterinary professionals under Vets in Poultry has underscored that chicken and eggs remain among the most affordable and accessible sources of high-quality protein in India, while raising concerns over the growing spread of misinformation on social media.
Addressing a briefing in the national capital, Ajay Deshpande, President of the association, said misleading claims around poultry consumption are not only hurting the industry but also impacting the country’s nutritional security.
“The poultry sector is a critical component of nutritional security. Misinformation does not just harm producers—it directly affects national nutrition goals,” he said.
The association, which represents nearly 1,700 veterinary experts, highlighted that common myths about chicken and eggs include concerns about hormone and antibiotic use, fears about bird flu, doubts about egg safety, and questions about nutritional value and environmental impact.
Experts clarified that modern broiler development is driven by advancements in genetics, feed quality, healthcare, and farm management practices—not by hormone injections. Jeevan Sonawane, treasurer of the association, noted that steroid hormone implants are not approved for poultry growth globally.
The advisory comes amid rising social media chatter claiming adverse health effects from consuming broiler chicken and eggs.
Government data indicates that India’s egg production reached 149.11 billion units in 2024–25, with per capita availability increasing from 62 eggs annually in 2014–15 to 106 eggs in 2024–25. Poultry meat production stood at 5.18 million tonnes, accounting for nearly half of the country’s total meat output.
The experts called for coordinated efforts to curb misinformation and promote awareness about the nutritional benefits of poultry products, especially as India continues to address protein deficiency and food security challenges.