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Study: Sesame Hidden on Food Labels

February 17,2022 - from Food Processing:

"Sesame will have to be declared as an allergen on food packaging starting next year, but it is severely under-identified on food labeling right now, according to a new study.

"The study, published in the medical journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, was based on the results of a survey administered to 327 individuals who had required medical treatment as a result of allergic reactions to sesame. Researchers examined the packaging of food products that the subjects identified as the source of those reactions. They found that about two-thirds of the allergic reactions had been caused by packaged food products – and of those products, less than half had the word 'sesame' on their packaging.

Instead, many products used terms like 'tahini' without disclosing that it is sesame paste, or even passed sesame off as a 'spice.'"

President Biden Signs FASTER Act Into Law - Adds Sesame as an allergen

April 23, 2021 - from foodallergy.org/:

"The Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education and Research Act of 2021 (FASTER Act), was signed into law by President Joseph R. Biden Jr."

"This new law requires that sesame be labeled on packaged goods by January 1, 2023. In addition, the Secretary of Health and Human Services is tasked with conducting a comprehensive research report on food allergies. Lastly, our new law establishes a scientific, risk-based process for adding new allergens to be labeled. "