Bakeries, condiment stores see 10 pc drop in sales after rumours of carcinogens in eggs

BENGALURU: The controversy surrounding egg consumption has been making headlines recently, with rumours of cancer-causing elements in them, spreading panic among people. As this is the festive season, which is usually a peak time for bakeries and condiment outlets, sales has been affected with a dip of around 10 per cent in Bengaluru.

People are avoiding egg-based products, including egg puffs, and cake orders have decreased. Bakeries are hesitant to make egg-based cakes, unsure if they will sell, and are instead opting for eggless cakes or planning to make eggless cakes instead.

There has been discussion on food adulteration for the past six months in the state, starting with the ban on using artificial colours in cotton candy and now reaching idlis, leaving people confused about what to eat and what not.

Meanwhile, a video claiming that eggs contain cancer-causing elements has created panic among people, leading some to avoid eggs and egg-based products until there is some clarity on the issue.

The impact has been felt by traders, with the Christmas and New Year season, usually a peak time, being hit hard by the rumours. Businessmen are planning to make eggless cakes instead.

Rudra Kumar, a bakery owner, said, “Bakery business has gone down after rumours that there are cancer-causing elements in eggs. Condiments and bakeries have reportedly seen a 10 per cent decline in sales as consumers are avoiding egg puffs and other egg-based products. Though there is no clarity on the issue and demand has decreased. This is the peak time as Christmas is ahead. A single rumour affected a lot of bakeries. We are not even getting orders to make cakes. We also provide eggless cake. The authorities concerned should intervene and clarify at the earliest”.

“We are getting fewer orders for cakes due to the rumours. People should not spread such rumours without evidence. As this is winter season, especially the Christmas festival and New Year celebration, we were expecting good business, but now we are struggling to get orders. Cake orders have decreased and traders are hesitant to make egg-based cakes, unsure if they will sell, and are instead opting to delay cake production. If this is continues, it will be a burden to pay the staff and rent”, said another bakery owner.