Real Egg vs Fake Egg: How To Identify Plastic Eggs Without Breaking

In the 1980s, the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) launched a famous advertisement with the catchy jingle, 'Sunday Ho Ya Monday - Roz Khao Ande' (Whether it is Sunday or Monday, eat eggs daily), making eggs a part of regular morning breakfast. Being a rich source of protein, eggs are a staple not just in India, but across the world. However, in an era where fake or adulterated food items are no longer a rarity, fake eggs have also made an entry into public discourse.

Several videos have gone viral on social media claiming the presence of fake or plastic eggs in the market, leaving people shocked and anxious about what they are eating. To explore the reality of these claims, we spoke to Dr Archana Batra, Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator. Continue reading to know what she shared with us.

What Are Fake or Plastic Eggs?

Fake or plastic eggs are essentially artificial eggs that are not produced by hens but are manufactured using synthetic materials, including resins, chemicals, or plastic-like substances. These eggs are designed to look like original eggs but are totally synthetic.

Speaking about these eggs, Dr Batra says, “It is necessary to clarify that there is no proven evidence of the mass production or sale of plastic eggs in conventional Indian markets. Suspicious cases are mostly low-quality eggs, eggs that have been stored poorly, or eggs that have been coated with artificial colours and chemicals to enhance their appearance and shelf life. These are often confused with plastic eggs.”

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Why It Is Important to Identify Fake or Low-Quality Eggs

Dr Batra explains that identifying fake or low-quality eggs is a matter of health and safety:

• Eggs contain high-quality proteins, vitamins, and minerals that are essential to a regular diet.
• Poorly kept or stored eggs can lead to food poisoning, stomach infections, or diarrhoea.
• Digestive health can be negatively affected by chemical coatings or unhygienic handling.
• Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weak immunity are at a higher risk of food-borne illnesses.
• Eating fresh, clean, and well-sourced eggs ensures you receive the intended nutritional value safely.

How to Identify a Real Egg vs a Fake Egg Without Breaking It

While Dr Batra mentions that laboratory testing is the only way to be 100% certain, consumers can use these simple methods to determine quality and freshness:

A. The Shake Test

Gently shake the egg close to your ear. In a fresh, real egg, there will be no sound. If it has been tampered with or spoiled, there will be a noticeable sloshing or watery sound from the contents.

B. The Touch and Surface Test

The shell of a real egg is generally rough, chalky, or granular. Eggs that feel excessively smooth, waxy, or appear oddly shiny might have been artificially coated.

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C. The Smell Test

Even before cracking it open, a spoiled or poor-quality egg can have an unpleasant and distinctly noticeable smell.

Can Fake Eggs Be Identified by Shell Colour?

Many rumours claim that shell colour can help differentiate fake eggs from real ones. Dr Batra explains that it is impossible to determine if an egg is real or fake based on colour alone, as natural eggs come in white, off-white, light brown, or dark brown. She shared a few facts:

The colour of the shell depends on the breed of the hen and its diet. White eggs are not fake, and brown eggs are not necessarily more nutritious.

Shells that appear too polished or unnaturally uniform in colour may be a sign of chemical treatment rather than being an artificial egg.

Does the Water Test Really Work?

The water test is one of the most convenient ways to check an egg. “The water test is a sure way of testing the freshness, though not necessarily the authenticity, of eggs,” says Dr Batra. She explains how the test works:

Sinks and lies flat: The egg is very fresh.

Sinks but stands on one end: The egg is older but likely still safe to eat.

Floats: The egg is rotten and should be discarded.

Dr Batra underlines, "Eggs float because they develop an air pocket inside as they age. This test identifies if an egg is spoiled, not if it is made of plastic."

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Common Myths About Plastic Eggs

Dr Batra also debunks a few common myths:

Myth: Plastic eggs are commonly available in India.

Fact: No scientific or regulatory evidence supports this claim.

Myth: White eggs are fake.

Fact: Egg colour depends on the hen's breed and does not indicate authenticity.

Myth: Floating eggs are plastic.

Fact: Floating indicates an old or spoiled egg, not a man-made one.

Myth: Eggs that melt when cooked are fake.

Fact: Egg texture changes based on cooking temperature, time, and the oils used.

“False information on social media tends to foster unwarranted panic among consumers,” Dr Batra highlights.

What Food Safety Experts Recommend

To ensure you are eating safe eggs, specialists recommend the following:

1. Purchase eggs from trusted brands or reputable local suppliers.
2. Check for cleanliness, cracks, and proper storage conditions at the shop.
3. Avoid eggs that appear excessively shiny or have a foul odour.
4. Store eggs in the refrigerator or a cool place, and always wash your hands after handling raw eggs.
5. Ensure eggs are cooked fully to kill any potential bacteria like Salmonella.

Bottomline

On social media, there is enough viral content about plastic or fake eggs to cause worry when you purchase eggs. While adulterated food items in the market have become a serious issue for public health, the widespread presence of plastic eggs remains unverified by authorities. As Dr Batra suggests, focusing on hygiene, freshness, and trusted sourcing is the best way to ensure your safety with your protein-rich diet.