In a recent article published by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), the authors argued that foods containing sesame should be clearly labeled as containing the potential allergen, rather than waiting for the January 2023 effective date of the amended allergen disclosure law. According to the article, more than 56% of products reviewed contained sesame, but the products did not declare the allergen on the label.

The most common cause reported for an allergic reaction was through accidental ingestion due to unclear labeling, which is why ACAAI believes that prompt labeling is needed. On the basis of its research, ACAAI concluded that accidental allergic reactions occur at a higher rate due to the lack of product labeling and consumer confusion. For example, ACAAI researchers found that consumers who had an allergic reaction to sesame purchased products with “tahini” or “natural flavors” or “spices” but were unaware that the products contained sesame.

Pursuant to the Food Allergy Safety Treatment, Education and Research (FASTER) Act, sesame was added to the list of major food allergens that must be disclosed on a food label.  The effective date of the requirement to declare sesame is January 1, 2023. ACAAI urges food manufacturers to promptly label products with a clear and specific sesame allergen declaration to prevent future accidental adverse allergic reactions to sesame, including anaphylaxis.