Mayonnaise based on raw eggs banned in Kerala, parcels should mandatorily affix sticker specifying date and time

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The food safety department in Kerala has ordered a ban on the production, storage and sale of mayonnaise made from raw eggs. The order has been issued on an urgent basis under the FSSA Act.

Mayonnaise made with raw eggs was found to be very dangerous if not used in time. In a meeting with representatives of organizations in the hotel, restaurant, bakery, street vendors and catering sectors, there was full support for the ban on mayonnaise made from raw eggs. Following this, health minister Veena George clarified that mayonnaise made from raw eggs has been banned with immediate effect.

There have also been many complaints of food poisoning in people who ate various foods containing mayonnaise. Mayonnaise is commonly used as a cream sauce on sandwiches and shawarmas. If mayonnaise is made and stored without being pasteurized properly, salmonella bacteria can multiply and cause disease. It can affect even a healthy person. Veena George added that vegetable mayonnaise or mayonnaise made from pasteurized eggs can be used.

The Food Safety Department has issued a notification that all shops that give food parcels in the state should affix a food safety notice sticker on the packages. The sticker must have the date and time the food was cooked and the time until which the food can be consumed. The action was taken after it was noticed that food safety issues have arisen due to the consumption of food items from eateries in the state after a specified time limit. The minister requested the public not to consume the food after the time stated on the parcel.