Tamil Nadu's ban on egg mayonnaise

Prelims – Current events of international importance.

Mains (GS III) – Food processing and related industries in India.

Why in News?

The Tamil Nadu government has banned the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of mayonnaise made using raw eggs, citing public health risks.

• Mayonnaise – It is described as a semi-solid emulsion containing egg yolk, vegetable oil, vinegar, and other seasonings.
• Egg yolks (and some seasoning, if one wants) are stirred together with oil to create a thick pale-yellow sauce. In the end, a dash of acid is added.
• The protein in the egg acts as an emulsifier (a substance that binds two immiscible liquid to form a stable mixture) for the oil and water, also from the egg (some 50% of the yolk is water).

Health Risks associated with Mayonnaise

• Eggs are known to carry innumerous pathogens, which are usually neutralized in the cooking process (through the application of heat). But mayonnaise uses raw eggs.

• This is especially relevant in Indian conditions, where improper preparation and storage amid hot and humid weather creates additional risk of contamination by microorganisms, especially Salmonella and E Coli.
• Salmonella – These are bacteria that can cause severe illness if consumed.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), they are a leading cause of foodborne illness, hospitalizations, and deaths worldwide.
• Warm, humid weather is the ideal condition for salmonella to grow. Symptoms of salmonella infection include watery diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
• E coli – These are bacteria which can cause infections in the gut, urinary tract, and other parts of the body.
• While most E Coli strains are harmless, they are in fact important to the digestive process certain kinds can cause severe illness.
• High-risk groups - While these bacteria can affect everyone, it poses more acute risks to certain groups such as immunocompromised individuals, children, and the elderly.
• Significance of the ban - It will likely force food businesses to switch to eggless or pasteurized-egg versions, at least until a comprehensive risk assessment is done.

Reference

The Indian Express | Tamil Nadu banned egg mayonnaise