New Delhi: At a time when misinformation spreads faster than science, the poultry sector in India faces an unusual challenge: not disease, not production constraints, but perception.
On the occasion of World Veterinary Day, VIP -Vets in Poultry addressed one of the most pressing issues affecting the sector the
growing ecosystem of myths and misinformation surrounding chicken and eggs.
Across India, more than 200 recurring myths influence consumer behaviour, media
narratives, and even policy discussions. These myths range from concerns about
hormones and antibiotics to misconceptions about bird flu, egg safety, nutrition, and
environmental impact. While these narratives often originate from isolated incidents, partial information, or social media amplification, their impact is far-reaching.
The cost of misinformation is not theoretical. It is real, immediate, and deeply human.
Farmers, often operating on tight margins, are the first to absorb the shock. A rumour can collapse demand overnight. A viral message can disrupt entire supply chains. Markets
that run on habit quickly shift to fear. Importantly, these disruptions occur even when there is no change in scientific evidence, no new health advisory, and no verified risk to
consumers.
The poultry sector is not just an industry it is a critical component of India’s nutritional
security. Chicken and eggs are among the most affordable and accessible sources of
high-quality protein. They play a crucial role in addressing protein deficiency, supporting
child growth, and improving public health outcomes. Misinformation, therefore, does not just harm producers; it directly affects national nutrition goals.
VIP also presented a structured “Myth vs Fact” framework to
address some of the most widely circulated beliefs. These included concerns around hormones in broiler chicken, antibiotic residues, the safety of consuming poultry during disease outbreaks, the nutritional value of eggs, and the perceived superiority of “des
Scientific evidence remains clear and consistent. The use of growth hormones in poultry is not practiced due to biological, regulatory, and economic reasons. Antibiotic use in poultry is governed by evolving stewardship
practices, compliance frameworks, and regulatory oversight, with increasing emphasis on responsible usage.
Disease outbreaks such as avian influenza are managed through established surveillance and response systems, and food safety risks depend on proper handling and cooking rather than mere association with the disease event.
Similarly, long-standing consumer beliefs such as brown eggs being more nutritious than white eggs, or desi chicken being inherently safer than broiler chicken do not hold scientific ground.
Egg shell colour is determined by
breed and has no direct relationship with nutritional content. Food safety, whether in eggs or meat, depends on hygiene, storage, handling, and cooking practices.
Another critical area addressed was the growing tendency to link poultry consumption with unrelated health conditions such as early puberty, infertility, or chronic diseases. Experts emphasized that such conditions are
influenced by multiple factors, including lifestyle, environment, genetics, and broader dietary patterns. Isolating
chicken or eggs as singular causes is not supported by evidence and risks oversimplifying complex public health
issues.
The environmental narrative surrounding poultry was also discussed. While all food production systems have
environmental footprints, poultry remains one of the most efficient converters of feed into protein. Waste
management, when done responsibly, allows for recycling and productive use, including applications such as
organic fertilizers and biogas. The focus, therefore, should be on improving systems and practices rather than
generalizing entire sectors as harmful.
A key message from the conference was the need for responsible communication. In the age of instant information,
the line between verified news and unverified content has blurred. VIP emphasized that outbreak-related news must
be communicated with precision, clearly distinguishing between exposure risks and consumption risks. Public
messaging must be grounded in verified data, supported by scientific evidence, and aligned with official advisories.
The role of regulatory bodies such as FSSAI, public health institutions, and veterinary authorities remains central in
ensuring food safety. These systems are active, evolving, and responsive. At the same time, the media plays a
critical role in shaping public understanding. Responsible reporting, therefore, is not just about speed, but about
accuracy, context, and clarity.
VIP – Vets In Poultry, as a professional body of veterinary experts, reiterated its commitment to scientific integrity,
public health, and sectoral transparency. The organization highlighted that addressing misinformation is not merely
a defensive exercise for the industry.
