Key Update

The Food Safety Department has stepped up inspections across Kozhikode, Kerala, under Operation Monsoon, placing mayonnaise safety and takeaway food practices under closer scrutiny. Officials have warned that mayonnaise should be consumed within two hours of preparation. Using it beyond this period is not only unsafe but may also violate food safety regulations.

Department Enforces Two-Hour Rule

Bibi Mathew, Assistant Commissioner of the Food Safety Department, Kozhikode, said officials will check whether restaurants and food outlets attach labels to takeaway food informing customers that mayonnaise should be consumed within two hours. The department has made this requirement mandatory for parcel food as well.

Operation Monsoon Targets Food Businesses

Over the past month, the Food Safety Department has carried out 830 inspections across Kozhikode city. Seven inspection squads visited hotels, restaurants, shawarma outlets, street food stalls, juice parlours, fish markets, and other food businesses to ensure they comply with food safety standards.

Raw Egg Mayonnaise Remains Banned

The department continues to prohibit restaurants from preparing mayonnaise with raw eggs. Although Kerala lifted its temporary restrictions under specific conditions, the ban on raw egg mayonnaise remains in force. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu and Telangana continue to prohibit the manufacture, distribution, and sale of mayonnaise.

Officials have instructed food businesses to prepare mayonnaise using safer alternatives such as milk, boiled eggs, potatoes, or chickpeas. Inspectors will verify compliance during routine checks.

Improper Storage Can Lead to Salmonella

Officials warned that improper storage or inadequate pasteurisation can allow Salmonella bacteria to grow in mayonnaise. Eating the contaminated one can cause severe foodborne illness, including fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and serious intestinal infections.

Recent Food Poisoning Case Raises Concern

The department intensified inspections after a recent food poisoning incident involving siblings who ate takeaway mandi from a restaurant near Mankavu. A 15-year-old boy developed a severe intestinal infection caused by Salmonella and required nearly three weeks of hospital treatment.

The Food Safety Department said it will continue inspections throughout the monsoon season to ensure food businesses follow hygiene standards, prepare mayonnaise safely, and comply with labelling requirements for takeaway food.

Source: Mathrubhumi