Sri Lanka’s low per capita consumption of eggs has contributed to the country’s growing nutritional challenges, according to Prabath Fonseka, Managing Director of Agro Nutrition (Pvt) Ltd.

He noted that although Sri Lanka produces 8 to 9 million eggs daily, the average annual consumption remains around 140 eggs per person—well below the global average of 180.

“Countries such as the United States average about 252 eggs per person annually, while Mexico and Malaysia exceed 300. In Denmark, the figure is around 248, Sweden over 220, and Iran about 192 eggs per person per year,” Fonseka said.

Mexico has the highest per capita egg consumption around 400 eggs.

He also addressed the common misconception that eating eggs regularly increases the risk of heart disease. “The truth is that eggs contain good cholesterol and essential nutrients such as lecithin, which promotes brain function, and carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A. Eggs do not contain substances that cause heart disease,” he explained.

As evidence, Fonseka pointed to Japan, where the average person consumes about 350 eggs a year, yet the country has the lowest coronary heart disease mortality rate in the world.

“Sri Lanka is now reaching a critical point due to poor access to affordable, nutritious food. One simple solution is to promote higher egg consumption,” he said.

He added that an egg, priced at around Rs. 30, can be stored at room temperature for up to 14 days without refrigeration and provides the highest-quality protein among natural foods. “Just two eggs a day can meet the daily protein requirement of an average person. Therefore, the government should encourage egg consumption to combat malnutrition and consider including eggs in school meal programes,” Fonseka suggested.