Why are food brands adding sesame? To skirt the FDA’s new allergy law | Fast Company

On January 1, the U.S. government began recognizing sesame as a major food allergen, making it the ninth such ingredient subject to specific labeling and manufacturing regulatory requirements. It’s a long-awaited update, coming as a result of the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research Act (FASTER Act). The rollout means food and restaurant brands must now disclose if products contain or even potentially could have come into contact with sesame seeds. Data shows that as many as 1.6 million Americans have an allergy to sesame, roughly the same number as those allergic to soy.

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