Just Mayo maker warned by FDA that 'mayo' needs to have eggs in it

The maker of eggless spread Just Mayo has gotten a warning from regulators: 'Mayo' needs eggs.

That's according to the Food and Drug Administration, which sent a warning letter to the maker of the eggless mayonnaise alternative earlier this month. The FDA notes mayonnaise must contain eggs, according to its standard of identity.

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

Hampton Creek representatives weren't immediately available for comment.

The letter comes after Hampton Creek was sued last year by Unilever, the maker of Hellmann's mayonnaise, which also noted that Just Mayo doesn't contain eggs. Unilever ended up dropping its lawsuit after facing online backlash by Just Mayo supporters.