Tampa, Florida (WFLA) — Sesame is officially a “major food allergen”.
On January 1, the plant became the ninth food to be added to the US Food and Drug Administration’s list of major food allergens. Act on Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education and Research, or the FASTER Act signed in April 2021.
According to the FDA, major allergens, including milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans, account for the majority of food allergies and serious allergic reactions in the United States.
Sesame oil is considered a staple in Asian cuisine. Other foods that contain sesame seeds include cereals such as granola, tortilla chips, crackers, and baked goods such as bagels.
Symptoms of a sesame allergy reaction include coughing, itchy throat, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, shortness of breath, wheezing, and low blood pressure.
To protect consumers with food allergies and other food sensitivities, the FDA requires companies to list major food allergens or ingredients on packaged foods and beverages. Certain foods and substances that cause allergies or other hypersensitivity reactions have more specific labeling requirements.
According to the FDA’s website, the FDA provides guidance to businesses and consumers on how best to assess and manage allergen hazards. We also conduct food testing and sampling to verify that major food allergens are properly ) and determine if it is correctly displayed on the product.
“If a problem is found, FDA will work with companies to recall products and issue public notices to alert consumers immediately. We have the authority to deny entry of any product,” the FDA website says.
The agency recommends that consumers with allergens be aware of how major allergens are defined for allergen labeling purposes. Evaluate whether you need to stop eating food, use emergency medications (such as epinephrine), and see a doctor.
For more information on food allergen requirements, consumers can: contact CFSAN Food and Cosmetic Information Center (FCIC).
