In recent years, the increasing frequency and seriousness of sesame allergies in the United States prompted policymakers to classify sesame as a major allergen. This designation requires that products and their manufacturing facilities explicitly disclose the presence of sesame on labels. In 2021, the legislation leading to this requirement, known as the FASTER Act, passed the Senate unanimously and was approved in the House of Representatives with a roll call vote of 415-11. Sesame, commonly found in various baked goods, differs from other prevalent allergens such as milk, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. Unlike these allergens, which are easier to manage, sesame is small and can easily spread.
The law stipulates that any product labeled as sesame-free must undergo thorough cleaning of the manufacturing facilities to prevent cross-contamination. However, due to the difficulties of implementing these measures, some manufacturers are now incorporating a minimal amount of sesame—either as seeds or as ground flour—into all their products to ensure that sesame is accurately listed as an ingredient. “Considering the current production practices in hundreds of bakeries, alongside the existing FDA regulations (which essentially mandate recalls for any products containing traces of sesame, even with the ‘may contain sesame’ labeling), including sesame and labeling it as an allergen is the most practical and safe way to protect consumers with allergies,” stated Rasma Zvaners, vice president of regulatory and technical services at the ABA, in a blog post last week.
Advocacy groups and a letter from legislators argue that this approach contradicts the intent of the law, which aimed to safeguard consumers. The letter from lawmakers also highlights that the ABA had publicly acknowledged that compliance would not pose a challenge after President Biden signed the law in 2021. Consumers accustomed to managing sesame allergies are familiar with the brands and products to avoid. When some manufacturers began adding sesame to their ingredient lists in response to the law, many consumers were unaware and inadvertently purchased items that triggered allergic reactions. “We strongly condemn these practices and urge your members to implement necessary safety control measures,” the letter from Senator Wyden and other congressional members asserts. “No company should be allowed to sidestep the costs of safe baking practices and jeopardize public health for those with life-threatening food allergies.”
Not all bakers have adopted this strategy, as the letter notes that there are manufacturers who have confirmed their facilities are sesame-free. The ABA did not respond to Food Dive’s request for comment by the deadline. As the discussion continues, it is critical for consumers, especially those shopping on platforms like Amazon for products containing supplements such as calcium citrate, to remain vigilant about ingredient disclosures to avoid unwanted allergic reactions.