Sesame allergy  Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education and Research Act, also called the FASTER Act
At Every Turn > Nutrition and Exercise > Seeds of change: New food label law will help those with sesame allergies
Tips Feb 23, 2023

Seeds of change: New food label law will help those with sesame allergies

Nicole Martin, RD, CSP, CD, Senior Clinical Dietitian

If you have experience with food allergies, you know how difficult it can be to read food labels and find safe food options. The top food allergens, which include milk, egg, wheat, soybean, peanut, tree nuts, fish and crustacean shellfish, are required to be labeled on packaged foods according to the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004. 

Recently, a ninth major food allergen has been added to labels: sesame. Reactions to sesame can be severe, yet sesame has not always been clearly labeled on food labels. To solve this problem, in April of 2021 the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education and Research Act, also called the FASTER Act, was signed into law by President Joe Biden.

What is the FASTER Act?

The FASTER Act adds sesame to the list of the top food allergens. The law requires that the presence of sesame be disclosed in plain language on the food labels of packaged food products and dietary supplements sold in the United States. These foods are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the FDA will enforce the FASTER Act. As of Jan. 1, 2023, food manufacturers will be required to have the word “sesame” within the ingredients list or in the “contains” statement if sesame is an ingredient in the product. Prior to the FASTER Act, sesame could appear in undeclared ingredients such as flavors and spice blends making it difficult to identify and avoid. 

What is the impact of the FASTER Act?

It is estimated that more than 1.5 million Americans are allergic to sesame. This change marks the first time since 2004 that the list of top food allergens was expanded. The FASTER Act will make sesame easily identifiable for shoppers. It will protect and make a substantial difference for those living with and caring for those with a sesame allergy. 

What is not covered by the FASTER Act?

The law only applies to the ingredients in the food, and the presence of sesame due to cross-contact does not need to be disclosed. The law does not apply to meat, poultry and egg products, which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Additionally, the law does not apply to non-food items like medications, pet food, perfumes and a variety of cosmetic products, such as hair products, soaps and lotions. Sesame does not need to be clearly identified on these products. If sesame is present in these products, the scientific name for sesame, Sesamum indicum, may be included on the labels instead. 

A note of caution

The FASTER Act only applies to products that are manufactured after Jan. 1, 2023. This means that a product that was placed on the store shelf prior to Jan. 1, 2023 does not need to be removed from the shelf or relabeled. During this transition period, consumers need to be aware that some products on the store shelf may not be labeled for sesame. It is recommended that the food manufacturer be contacted if the consumer is unsure whether a food product contains or potentially contains sesame. 

For more information

Children's Wisconsin knows that a nutritious diet and active lifestyle have a major impact on the health and well-being of children. 

 

 

View more articles from Nicole Martin, RD, CSP, CD

Related stories

What Are Obesogens and Do They Cause Weight Gain in Children? Children's Wisconsin
Tips Apr 16, 2025

Are Obesogens Causing Weight Gain in Children?

Pallavi Iyer, MD Endocrinologist

Obesity rates have more than tripled since the 1960s for both adults and children — but why?

Measles outbreak United States 2025 Children's Wisconsin
Tips Apr 16, 2025

Measles Outbreak Shows Importance of Getting Your Kids Vaccinated

Frank Zhu, MD Medical Director

The recent measles outbreak is a regrettable reminder to all of us of just how preventable this disease truly is when your child is vaccinated.

Beige parenting Children's Wisconsin
Tips Apr 02, 2025

The Rainbow Connection: How the Beige Parenting Trend Can Affect Children

Elizabeth Frantal, PA-C Physician Assistant

Beige parenting deviates from the bright colors and bold patterns that have dominated baby items for decades.

Children's Wisconsin Eating Disorder Program Adolescent Health and Medicine
Tips Mar 26, 2025

What Parents Need To Know About the Rise in Eating Disorders

Margaret Thew, DNP, FNP-BC Family Nurse Practitioner

Eating disorders can affect many parts of a child’s life, including how they feel physically and emotionally, as well as their friendships.

How to treat seasonal allergies in kids Children's Wisconsin
Tips Mar 21, 2025

Kids and Seasonal Allergies: Navigating Symptoms and Solutions

Andrew MacGinnitie, MD Allergy Immunology Specialist

Knowing what’s causing your child’s seasonal allergies can be helpful in minimizing exposure to common triggers.

Is your kid ready for overnight summer camp Children's Wisconsin
Tips Mar 18, 2025

Happy Campers: How To Tell if Your Child Is Ready for Overnight Camp

Maggie Moegenburg, LCSW Behavioral Health Consultant

If you’re thinking about sending your child to an overnight camp, it’s essential to assess whether they’re ready.

Teaching kids about finances and money management Children's Wisconsin
Tips Mar 04, 2025

Dollars and Sense: Teaching Kids About Money

Sadia Hussain, DO Pediatrician

How to build healthy attitudes and practices about money.