India, Aug. 14 -- The current debate over whether eggs should be included in school mid-day meals has obscured a larger question: Should Indians eat more animal protein?

The most recent National Family Health Survey does not directly measure protein intake, but nevertheless shows substantial gaps in dietary diversity, particularly among poorer households. Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein and several essential micronutrients. They can improve the nutritional quality of a child's diet by replacing calories from a staple cereal. The current debate on whether to provide eggs to all children should be seen from that context.

I was one of 24 commissioners of the EAT-Lancet Commission published in 2025. The commission asked a br...