Hyderabad citizens express concern over continued sale of mayonnaise despite ban

Hyderabad: Despite a recent Telangana Government ban on the production, storage, and sale of mayonnaise made from raw eggs, citizens of Hyderabad are raising concerns over its continued availability at local fast food centres. Citizens are frustrated, feeling that the ban is not being properly enforced, as restaurants and food outlets continue to serve mayonnaise made from raw eggs, which is considered unsafe.

The issue was brought to light by human rights activist Vinay Vangala, who took to social media to highlight the apparent lack of enforcement. On his platform 'X' (formerly Twitter), Vinay Vangala shared photograph of mayonnaise being served at a fast food center in Madhapur, questioning the effectiveness of the ban enforcement. He tagged various Telangana government officials in his post, writing, “Please find the attached 2 pictures to see how effective our enforcement is happening on the #Mayonnaise ban after 5 days!”

Other concerned citizens, like Rajendra Tunuguntla, voiced their frustrations, commenting, “This is too bad. The government imposes a ban but forgets to implement it. Establishments continue to produce and sell, while consumers keep eating the same without regard for their health!”

Speaking with Hyderabad Mail, Vinay Vangala shared his experience of visiting a fast food centre in Madhapur, where he discovered that mayonnaise was still being served to customers. "I asked the staff about it, and they informed me that mayonnaise made from raw eggs is still available at many food centres because the rules are not being strictly enforced. That's why they are continuing to serve it," Vinay Vangala said.

He further called for stronger action from the government. "We are requesting strict enforcement of the ban and food safety raids to ensure compliance. Mayonnaise is still available five days after the ban notification, which shows that the system isn't working," he added.

The Telangana government issued the ban on October 30, 2024, following rising concerns over food safety. The Commissioner of Food Safety in Telangana announced an immediate prohibition on the production, storage, and sale of mayonnaise made from raw eggs. The ban will remain in effect for one year, in response to several incidents of food poisoning linked to mayonnaise made from raw eggs.

Mayonnaise, a common condiment in sandwiches, salads, and snacks, is traditionally made by emulsifying egg yolks with oil, vinegar, and sometimes lemon juice. However, raw eggs pose a significant health risk due to the potential for contamination with Salmonella and other harmful bacteria, which can lead to foodborne illnesses.

The prohibition was issued under Section 30(2)(a) of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, following multiple complaints from the public and food safety inspections. Under Section 18(1)(f) of the same act, authorities are required to act when there is reasonable cause to believe that a food product poses a risk to public health.

The Telangana government has asked people to be careful and avoid mayonnaise made from raw eggs due to the ban. However, there is still concern because many fast food centres are continuing to serve it, even though it’s officially banned.