Hyderabad: In a significant move, the Telangana State Medical and Health Department has announced a ban on mayonnaise, a popular condiment, following incidents of foodborne illness linked to its consumption. Health Minister Damodara Rajanarsimha took this decision after consulting the Food Safety Department. Orders for the ban will soon be issued by the Food Safety Commissioner, with frequent inspections planned for food stalls and restaurants statewide. The state will also establish three new food testing labs and five mobile food safety labs to enhance food quality monitoring.
Mayonnaise, commonly served with dishes like mandi biryani, kebabs, pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches, has been identified as a potential health risk due to recent food poisoning cases. Last week, Reshma Begum of Banjara Hills and her two children fell ill after consuming mayonnaise with non-vegetarian momos, tragically resulting in her passing. Additionally, several people who consumed mayonnaise at a local hotel reported severe symptoms, and medical testing revealed salmonella bacteria contamination in some cases.
In response to repeated complaints, the department has intensified inspections across popular dining spots in Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, and other areas, noting mayonnaise’s susceptibility to bacterial contamination due to its raw ingredients, including egg yolk and lemon juice.
