Why in the news?

• FSSAI initiates an egg safety drive following an uproar over the detection of nitrofurans.

Nitrofurans

• What is it?:  Nitrofurans are synthetic, broad-spectrum antibiotics.
• Key Features:
  • Classified as synthetic chemotherapeutic agents with a broad antimicrobial spectrum.
  • Effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
  • Active against pathogens such as Salmonella, Giardia species, trichomonads, amoebae, and some coccidial species.
  • Show higher activity in acidic environments, with an optimal pH of around 5.5
  • Primarily bacteriostatic in action, but can become bactericidal at higher doses.
• Concerns:
  • Carcinogenic potential: Certain nitrofurans have demonstrated carcinogenic effects in animal studies.
  • Toxicity concerns: May cause toxic effects and adverse health outcomes, particularly with prolonged exposure or high doses.
  • Injudicious use may lead to Antimicrobial Resistance risk.

Source: The New Indian Express