The 9th big allergen- Sesame │ The Big 9 Major Allergens in the US │ Food Safety

In the United States, **sesame** has been officially recognized as the **9th major allergen** under the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act of 2021. This brings sesame into the list of the **Big 9 Major Allergens**, which now includes:

1. Milk
2. Eggs
3. Fish
4. Crustacean shellfish
5. Tree nuts
6. Peanuts
7. Wheat
8. Soybeans
9. **Sesame**

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### **Why Was Sesame Added?**
- **Prevalence of Sesame Allergy:** Sesame allergies affect approximately 0.1% of the U.S. population but can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
- **Hidden Sources of Sesame:** Sesame is often used in foods in forms that are difficult to recognize, such as oils, pastes, or flavorings. The labeling requirement helps consumers avoid accidental exposure.

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### **Labeling Requirements for Sesame**
As of **January 1, 2023**, the FASTER Act mandates that food manufacturers must:
1. Clearly label sesame as an allergen on packaged food products.
- Example: "Contains: Sesame."
2. Include sesame in the list of ingredients when used, even in trace amounts.
3. Avoid using ambiguous terms like "spices" or "natural flavorings" if they include sesame.

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### **Common Foods Containing Sesame**
- **Seeds & Oils:** Sesame seeds (white, black, or hulled) and sesame oil.
- **Baked Goods:** Bagels, bread, crackers, and hamburger buns.
- **Condiments:** Tahini (sesame paste), hummus, and salad dressings.
- **Cuisines:** Asian (e.g., sesame chicken), Middle Eastern, and Indian dishes.

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### **Food Safety Best Practices for Sesame Allergies**
1. **Avoid Cross-Contact:**
- Use separate utensils and surfaces when preparing allergen-free meals.
- Clean and sanitize all equipment thoroughly.

2. **Educate Staff:**
- Train food handlers about sesame as a major allergen.
- Emphasize checking ingredient labels for hidden sources of sesame.

3. **Communicate with Consumers:**
- Clearly label menus or provide allergen information upon request.
- Inform customers of any risk of cross-contact.

4. **Emergency Preparedness:**
- Ensure staff knows how to respond to allergic reactions, including the use of epinephrine auto-injectors.

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### **Impact on Food Industry**
- Increased attention to labeling and allergen control processes.
- Manufacturers and food establishments must comply with new regulations to avoid penalties and ensure customer safety.

The addition of sesame to the Big 9 highlights the growing awareness of food allergies and the importance of transparency in food labeling for consumer protection.