Does mayonnaise cause food poisoning?
No. Commercial mayonnaise and mayonnaise dressings are prepared using pasteurized eggs that are free of Salmonella and other types of bacteria. Ingredients in the product such as vinegar and lemon juice provide a high acid environment, which slows or prohibits entirely the growth of these types of bacteria. Salt, another ingredient in commercial mayonnaise also acts to quell the growth of bacteria. Many of the foods used with mayonnaise such as tuna, ham, chicken and potatoes are more prone to bacterial contamination than mayonnaise itself. When preparing these foods, it is important to use proper food handling and storage procedures.
