Sesame Has Been Added to the FDA’s Allergen Labeling Guidelines

Sesame has been designated as the ninth major allergen, effective January 1, 2023

Highlights:

Sesame has been added to the list of allergens by the FDA
Sesame allergy symptoms include rash, itching, swelling, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath
Products //that were previously safe may now have new sesame warnings, so it is critical to read ALL labels while this change occurs. If a consumer is unsure whether a food product contains sesame, they should contact the producer

Sesame (til) has been a part of our diet since the dawn of time. We use sesame seeds in a variety of foods, including hummus, chutney, ladoo, and curries, to name a few. The ingredient not only adds flavor and texture to cuisine, but also provides a good source of vitamins, iron, zinc, and other minerals.

But did you know that sesame seeds can also cause allergies? Sesame is an allergen, just as are tree nuts, milk, and so on. As a result, the US Food and Drug Administration has chosen to include sesame seeds on the list of significant food allergens.

The FDA has been debating whether to include sesame seeds on the list of serious food allergies for several years. “By adding sesame to the list of major food allergens, items containing sesame will be subject to special food allergen regulatory requirements, including those pertaining to labeling and manufacture,” the report states.

‘Sesame allergies may not receive as much publicity as peanut allergies, but the reactions can be just as serious’

Sesame Allergy Symptoms

Sesame allergies can affect people of all ages. The following are the most prevalent symptoms of sesame allergy:

Rash
Itching
Swelling in the lips, tongue, mouth, throat, or around the eyes
Nasal congestion
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Drop in blood pressure

Health Benefits of Sesame Seeds - References
Reference details about Health Benefits of Sesame Seeds.

What Causes Sesame Allergy and how to Avoid it

Sesame allergy is caused by eating foods containing sesame seeds, sesame flour, and sesame seed oil, according to several studies. Sesame allergy is usually caused by eating foods that contain sesame seeds, sesame flour, or sesame seed oil. “The immune system overreacts to proteins found in sesame-containing foods, initiating the allergic reaction,” reads a report in the Journal of Asthma and Allergy. It is also said that once affected, over 70 percent of people remain sensitive to sesame for their whole lives ().

To Avoid Sesame Allergies, Follow These Steps

Check the labels and avoid foods containing sesame and sesame products. Replace sesame with other ingredients in meals like hummus, chutney, and so on. When ordering at a restaurant, specify that you do not want sesame seeds on your food.

If you are allergic to sesame, we recommend that you follow some basic guidelines to avoid any type of inflammation in your body. However, before making any changes to your food plan, always consult with a specialist.