Experts Call for Action Against Poultry Misinformation Threatening Nutritional Security

Veterinary specialists gathered in New Delhi on Friday to address growing concerns over misinformation affecting India’s poultry sector, emphasizing that chicken and eggs remain among the most affordable protein sources available to consumers nationwide.

The association Vets in Poultry, representing approximately 1,700 veterinary experts including doctors, highlighted how false claims spreading on social media platforms are not only harming producers but potentially undermining national nutritional goals.

“The poultry sector is not just an industry, it is a critical component of nutritional security,” said Vets in Poultry President Ajay Deshpande during a press briefing in the capital. “Chicken and eggs are among the most affordable and accessible sources of high-quality protein. Misinformation, therefore, does not just harm producers but directly affects national nutritional goals.”

The organization identified several common myths circulating about poultry products, including unfounded concerns about hormone and antibiotic use, misconceptions regarding bird flu risks, questions about egg safety, nutritional misinformation, and exaggerated claims about environmental impacts.

Social media platforms have recently seen a surge in posts claiming that broiler chicken and egg consumption leads to adverse health effects. These claims come despite India’s poultry sector achieving significant production milestones in recent years.

Jeevan Sonawane, treasurer of the association, explained that modern broiler growth results from advancements in genetics, improved feed quality, better health management practices, and overall husbandry improvements – not from hormones as often claimed. He emphasized that steroid hormone implants are not approved for growth purposes in poultry anywhere in the world.

“There is a need to curb the spreading of misinformation,” Sonawane stressed, pointing to the potential economic and nutritional consequences of such unfounded claims.

Government data underscores the sector’s importance to India’s food security landscape. The country’s total egg production reached 149.11 billion units during 2024-25, while per capita egg availability has seen substantial growth, rising from 62 eggs annually in 2014-15 to 106 eggs per year in 2024-25.

The poultry meat sector has likewise shown robust development, now producing 5.18 million tonnes annually – representing approximately half of India’s total meat production. This growth trajectory has positioned poultry products as increasingly vital protein sources for India’s population of over 1.4 billion people.

Industry analysts note that the poultry sector’s growth has significant implications beyond nutrition. The industry provides livelihoods for millions of Indians, from small-scale backyard farmers to those employed in larger commercial operations, feed manufacturing, and distribution networks.

Nutritionists have long advocated for increased consumption of eggs and poultry, particularly in a country where protein deficiency remains a concern for many demographic groups. Eggs, containing all nine essential amino acids, represent one of the most complete protein sources available, while chicken offers lean protein options at relatively affordable price points compared to other animal proteins.

The veterinary experts’ intervention comes at a time when food security and affordable nutrition have become increasingly important policy considerations, particularly as inflation has impacted food prices across various categories in recent years.

As digital platforms continue to accelerate the spread of both information and misinformation, the association’s call for evidence-based discussions about poultry production and consumption represents an effort to protect both consumer interests and the livelihoods dependent on this crucial agricultural sector.