Just Mayo maker warned by FDA that ‘mayo’ needs eggs

“The term “mayo” has always been used and understood as shorthand or slang for mayonnaise”, it said in the letter to Hampton Creek, the maker of Just Mayo.

Just Mayo can be found nationwide in Dollar Tree, Whole Foods, ShopRite and Kroger stores, as well as select Costco warehouses.

Hampton Creek Foods, Inc., a health foods company whose best known product is a vegan, egg-free mayonnaise called Just Mayo, was sent a warning letter from the FDA on August. 12. Hampton Creek also sells Just Cookies, which its website says are cholesterol free, all natural, sustainable and affordable.

“According to the standard of identity for mayonnaise, egg is a required ingredient”, said the letter, which was released Tuesday and was signed by William A. Cornell, Jr., the FDA’s director of the office of compliance.

It’s not the first time someone has taken issue with Hampton Creek’s mayo products. The company previously had to correct its labeling to list “lemon juice concentrate” as an ingredient, rather than just “lemon juice”.

Unilever dropped the suit in December to allow the startup to work with industry groups and regulators to fix the label.

According to Hampton Creek’s website, Just Mayo is made with canola oil, white vinegar, sugar, salt, pea protein, spices and modified food starch.

Hampton Creek, which is backed by high-profile investors including Bill Gates, Li Ka-Shing, and Vinod Khosla, was scrutinized earlier this month for its management practices after anonymous ex-employees aired their complaints with Business Insider. “Together these statements and heart symbol are an implied health claim that these products can reduce the risk of heart disease due to the absence of cholesterol”.

Chief among them is the company’s allegedly misleading branding of the product.

The FDA has asked Hampton Creek to respond within 15 business days of receiving the letter.

Tetrick did not immediately respond to Guardian requests for comment.

Tetrick said he doesn’t think the company will end up having to change its name.