Fake Eggs in 2025: Separating Fact from Fiction to Stay Safe

Are some eggs in your kitchen potentially fake? Reports of artificial eggs made from chemicals have sparked concern, especially in markets in India and China. Viral videos claiming to show their production have circulated widely, fueling public concern. However, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) dismissed these claims in a 2018 advisory, stating that no plastic eggs exist in the market. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, has similarly denied any presence of plastic eggs in India.

Despite these assurances, “counterfeit eggs” are rumored to be made from chemicals such as gelatin, paraffin wax, sodium alginate, and food colorings to mimic the appearance of real eggs.

Scientific study, Artificial and Fake Eggs: Dance of Death, published in 'Academia' has speculated on potential compositions:

• Glucolactone – Solidifier

• Benzoic acid – Preservative

• Calcium chloride – Stabilizer

• Cellulose & Alum – Additives

• Gelatin, Sodium alginate – Egg white and yolk analogs

• Food coloring & amino acids – Color and texture

While many studies exist, it is important to note that confirmed cases of such eggs entering legitimate markets have not been documented.

Who Is at Risk?

Consumers purchasing eggs from unregulated markets or illegal suppliers might theoretically face risks. However, the FSSAI states that producing a convincing artificial egg is technically and economically infeasible:

Where Are Fake Eggs Reported?

Reports of fake eggs largely originate from unregulated local markets or viral social media posts, often in regions with weak food safety oversight. A video circulating on social media claiming to show the “making of fake eggs” was later identified as footage from a toy manufacturing unit.

According to the official Weibo account of Jiangning Branch, Nanjing Public Security Bureau (@江宁公安在线), the video actually shows the making of imitation toy eggs for children, not fake eggs sold in markets.

Why Do Reports Persist?

Fake egg stories persist due to:

• Social Media Virality – Videos and posts create panic, spreading false rumors.

• Economic Incentives – Low-cost imitations might appeal to unscrupulous sellers, though production costs (e.g., 3D-printed eggs at ₹5,000 each, per FSSAI) make it impractical.

• Misidentification – Old, rotten, or improperly stored eggs may appear unusual, as noted in the FSSAI’s 2018 advisory.

How to Check Eggs at Home

Even though fake eggs are likely a myth, in regulated markets, the FSSAI suggests simple tests to verify freshness of eggs:

1. Water Float Test for Freshness: A quick way to check an egg's freshness is to immerse it in a mug or basin of water. Fresh eggs remain at the bottom width wise, older eggs stand on one end, and stale/rotten ones float due to a larger air cell. Weak shells or fine cracks can also cause an egg to float.

2. Air Cell Expansion in Fresh Eggs: When held against a very bright light in a dark room, a fresh egg displays a small air gap, usually at the broader (blunt) end. As the egg ages, the air cell expands in volume, and upon hard boiling, an indentation can be seen at the top of the egg once the shell is peeled off.

3. Yolk Mobility and Chalaza Breakdown: In fresh eggs, the yolk normally stays centered and is not very mobile due to the chalaza (strings of tissue) that hold it in place. These strings break down as the egg ages during storage or transportation, and when hard-boiled eggs are cut lengthwise, the yolk may appear off-center.

Tips to Stay Safe

• Buy from Trusted Sources – FDA-regulated supermarkets, certified organic brands, or verified local farmers.

• Inspect Each Egg – Look for odd colors, smells, or textures before cooking.

• Report Suspicious Eggs – Contact local authorities, the FSSAI in India, or the FDA consumer complaint system in the U.S.

• Stay Informed – Follow reputable food safety updates.

The Bottom Line: Fact vs Fiction

Sensational online reports fuel fake egg rumors, but scientific evidence and regulatory guidance from the FSSAI and FDA confirm their unlikelihood in legitimate markets. The primary concern is old or improperly stored eggs. By relying on credible sources, inspecting eggs, and purchasing from trusted suppliers, consumers can safely navigate these rumors.

References:

1. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Guidance Note on Plastic Eggs. New Delhi: FSSAI, August 8, 2018. https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Guidance_Note_Plastic_Eggs_08_08_2018.pdf.

2. Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. “Plastic Eggs in India.” Lok Sabha Questions and Answers. Accessed September 16, 2025. https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/12/AU379.pdf?source=pqals#:~:text=However%2C%20no%20specific%20instance%20of,the%20country%20has%20been%20received.

3. Huang, Jiayuan. Artificial and Fake Eggs: Dance of Death. Academia.edu, 2020. https://www.academia.edu/65898355/Artificial_and_Fake_Eggs_Dance_of_Death

_MSM