A social media post claiming that brown eggs sold at Supermercados Econo lost their color when boiled drew responses from the supermarket chain and from Puerto Rico’s agricultural sector, which explained the shell’s pigmentation. In written statements, Econo said it does not consider the information valid and that an initial evaluation suggests the product may have been altered by the user who circulated the message.
The chain said its eggs come from local farms that comply with state and federal regulations, and that packing is supervised by a Department of Agriculture inspector. Econo said it consulted specialists at the University of Puerto Rico, the Department of Agriculture, the Asociación de Agricultores de Puerto Rico and egg producers, and will share its findings once available.
Farmers’ association president Juan Carlos Rivera Serrano said a shell color change alone is not evidence that an egg was painted, altered or poses a consumer risk, and warned that spreading unverified claims can hurt consumer confidence in local products. The Puerto Rico Egg Industry Development Fund explained that the brown color comes from a natural pigment, protoporphyrin IX, formed during egg creation, and that boiling, wetting, rubbing or handling can lighten or superficially remove it.
Both groups urged consumers to consult reliable sources, with the association suggesting contacting the store and authorities if doubts remain. Econo said its 63 stores will continue supporting local farmers.