Scandal Is Over: Eggless Mayo Can Call Itself Mayo

Just Mayo says it will get to keep its name, a decision that caps a rollercoaster year for the vegan spread that has rattled the egg industry. After months of discussions, Just Mayo's maker Hampton Creek says it worked out an agreement with the Food and Drug Administration that lets the eggless spread keep its name, as long as a few changes are made to its label. The resolution comes after the FDA sent a warning letter to Hampton Creek in August saying Just Mayo was misbranded because mayonnaise is defined as having eggs. Without providing details, the FDA said in statement it worked with Hampton Creek to address the issues cited in its letter, and that it considers the matter to be resolved.

As part of the deal, Hampton Creek says Just Mayo's label will make it clear that the product does not contain eggs. The changes include making the words "egg-free" larger and adding "Spread & Dressing." An image of an egg with a pea shoot inside will also be smaller. A definition of "just" as being "guided by reason, justice, and fairness" will be put on the new label as well. It's been a controversial year-plus for Hampton Creek: Last year, Hellmann's mayonnaise maker Unilever filed a lawsuit saying Just Mayo's name was misleading, but dropped the suit after facing backlash from Hampton Creek supporters. The American Egg Board CEO also tried to stop the sale of Just Mayo at Whole Foods. (More Just Mayo stories.)