On the day of World Egg Day today, top poultry experts got together to discuss the vision forward for the industry and the importance of this protein-rich food in our diet. Eggs as we all know are counted amongst the most economical, accessible healthiest foods across the globe.
In a webinar hosted by Suresh Chitturi, Chairman of IEC (International Egg Coordination Committee) along with Tim Labert, Former, Chairman International Egg Commission & CEO, at Egg farmer of Canada, Dr Raghav Sunil – MS Orthopaedics, and Sanjoy Mukerji – CEO, Indian Poultry Review, discussed case studies and shared business insights about the industry during this new normal, as we continue to fight COVID pandemic. They also highlighted – egg as a healthy diet.
In his opening statement, Suresh Chitturi said “The egg supply chain has remained strong in 2020. Even during the pandemic, egg farmers worked with gusto with their partners to deliver fresh, local, high-quality eggs to India. That’s why this World Egg Day, we’re expressing our appreciation for their contribution, and the importance of eggs. When it mattered most, they delivered, as we know eggs have been part of our food table for generations enriching our proteins requirement.”
Tim Labert, said “I believe the egg industry will continue its exponential growth in India, Asia and around the world, as we enhance the efficiencies, sustainability, at the farmer level to further grow the outreach of this efficient animal protein. Eggs have a positive impact on climate change. Eggs are a key part of diet; they are also affordable animal protein. It is also relatively easy to produce and scale up. We are working with Asian farmers to make the egg production viable and sustainable.
An interesting panel discussion among Suresh Chitturi, Dr Raghav Sunil, and Sanjoy Mukherjee, about how “Egg, much more than the perfect protein- An Egg-ceptional Superfood”, discussed the importance to keep up immunity at high level to fight Covid. A Q & A session followed by panel discussion had various questions from participants on egg consumption and egg being part of our healthy diet.
World Egg Day : 3 Things Learnt
- Egg is the most affordable high protein food
- Egg helps build immunity
- Having an egg per day gives sustainable protein to the body
The highlight of the panel discussion had facts about the ability to tackle any health hazard that is related to immunity and nutritional level of one’s body. Having an egg per day will give sustainable protein of choice for consumers. With 6% of Vitamin A and 6.3 grams of protein in one egg, we consume just 75 calories, the egg is a super protein food for individuals who pursue fitness or maintain a healthy weight.
Studies demonstrate that eating eggs can lower the risk of heart disease in healthy people. Despite containing cholesterol, eggs contain high-density levels (HDL) or “good” cholesterol. Research shows that people with higher levels of HDL generally have reduced risks of heart disease.
Suresh who adores eggs himself said as an egg farmer I do raise awareness and educate others about the nutritional facts attached to eggs through my conversations on social media, and business networking events. As an Industry body, we also conduct from time to time activities including playing some games related to eggs, painting, decorating the eggshell, conducting online quizzes related to eggs, etc.
Additional Information:
The recent pandemic has put a spotlight on the importance of doing what we can to support our communities. Each one of us is more united, are supportive of each other, and egg farmers are proud to play their part.
Eggs are considered a low environmental impact protein source owing to new efficiencies and ongoing commitments made both on-farm and in the egg supply chain. They require very little water use, and the overall footprint of the egg has significantly reduced over the last 50 years. Eggs are playing a significant role in the eradication of malnutrition around the world.
While major regions of the world have access to this protein-rich, highly nutritious food, they remain scarce and unaffordable in many low-income settings, especially in Africa.
IEC on its part has the responsibility to discuss industry issues as well as to maintain links with other international organizations. The body acts as a bridge between industry and international regulators/decision makers and creates a common policy framework on a range of issues, agreed by IEC members and approved by the IEC Council, to boost availability, affordability, desirability, and convenience of nutritious foods.
Across the world, IEC continues to devise newer approaches to boost egg availability and consumption.
The goal of IEC going forward is to help farmers tackle barriers to deal with boost availability, affordability, desirability, and convenience of nutritious foods like eggs, especially for people on low-incomes.
About World Egg Day 9th October 2020
World Egg Day was established at the IEC Vienna 1996 conference when it was decided to celebrate World Egg Day on the second Friday in October each year.
For centuries, eggs have played a major role in feeding families around the globe. When it comes to versatility and top-quality protein at a very affordable price, the egg is an unbeatable food. They are also an excellent source of choline, essential in memory, and brain development. The egg is also a convenient food, offering terrific taste, at affordable prices.
Eggs are one of nature’s highest quality sources of protein, and indeed contain many of the key ingredients for life. The proteins contained within eggs are highly important in the development of the brain and muscles, have a key role to play in disease prevention, and contribute to general well-being.
