Sesame Allergy: What Changed in the US in 2023 (FASTER Act Explained)

Sesame Allergy: What Changed in the US in 2023 (FASTER Act Explained)

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If you're managing a sesame allergy in the United States, 2023 marked a turning point. A new law changed how sesame must be labeled on packaged food - but the rollout came with an unexpected and controversial twist that every allergy family needs to understand. Here's a clear breakdown of what changed, what it means for your family, and how to protect yourself today.

The FASTER Act: What It Is and Why It Matters

The Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act was signed into law in April 2021, with mandatory labeling requirements taking effect on January 1, 2023. The act made sesame the 9th major food allergen recognized under US federal law, joining milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans.

Before the FASTER Act, sesame occupied a legal gray area. Manufacturers were not required to call out sesame specifically on labels. That meant sesame could legally appear under terms like:

• "Natural flavors"
• "Spices"
• "Tahini" (which is 100% ground sesame)
• "Benne seeds" (a regional name for sesame)

For families managing sesame allergy, reading a label was a guessing game. A product labeled "natural flavors" could contain sesame with no way to know without calling the manufacturer directly.

What the New Rules Require

From January 1, 2023 onward, manufacturers must declare sesame clearly in one of two ways:

1. In the ingredient list itself - e.g., "sesame oil" or "sesame flour"
2. In a separate "Contains" statement - e.g., "Contains: Wheat, Soy, Sesame"

This applies to all packaged food sold in the US, regardless of where it was manufactured.

The Controversial Twist: Manufacturers Added Sesame

Here is where the FASTER Act created an unintended problem. Under previous law, a manufacturer who used shared equipment (processing sesame products on the same line as other products) could voluntarily add a "may contain sesame" advisory. After January 2023, that same advisory label could be interpreted as requiring full sesame allergen disclosure - a costly reformulation for many companies.

Some manufacturers chose to intentionally add sesame to their recipes rather than overhaul production lines, because adding sesame as an intentional ingredient is cheaper than certifying a facility "sesame-free." The result: products that previously did not contain sesame now do.

This means that even if you had a brand memorized as safe before 2023, you need to re-verify it. Always read current labels - not old ones.

Where Sesame Hides in the American Diet

Even with improved labeling, sesame remains one of the trickiest allergens to avoid because of how broadly it is used:

• Hummus: All traditional hummus contains tahini (sesame paste)
• Tahini: Direct sesame paste, used in sauces, dressings, and baked goods
• Halvah: Sesame-based confection sold at delis and specialty stores
• Sesame oil: Used in Asian cooking, marinades, and some restaurant dishes
• Bread and baked goods: Sesame seeds on buns, bagels, and artisan loaves; cross-contact risk even when seeds are only on the exterior
• Asian sauces and condiments: Many contain sesame oil or sesame paste
• Some medications and supplements: Sesame oil is used as a carrier in certain capsules and injectable medications - always confirm with your pharmacist

Reading US Labels After 2023: A Practical Guide

Step 1: Look for "sesame" in the full ingredient list. It must now appear by name.

Step 2: Check for a "Contains" statement below the ingredient list. If sesame is a major ingredient, it must appear here.

Step 3: Note any "May Contain" or "Manufactured in a facility that also processes sesame" advisory. These are voluntary and indicate shared-equipment risk.

Step 4: When in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly. Label databases like those maintained by FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) can also help.

Dining Out with Sesame Allergy

Restaurant meals carry significant cross-contact risk. Sesame oil and tahini are widely used, and kitchen staff may not be aware of all hidden sources. When dining out:

• Inform your server and ask to speak with a manager or chef
• Ask specifically about sesame oil, tahini, and shared cooking surfaces
• Carry a written allergy card listing sesame and its synonyms (tahini, benne, gingelly oil)
• Always carry prescribed emergency medication - an epinephrine auto-injector is a non-negotiable safety measure

For the most current, evidence-based guidance on managing sesame allergy in the United States, FARE is the leading patient advocacy organization.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. If you suspect a sesame allergy, consult a board-certified allergist. Do not rely on this article as a substitute for professional medical evaluation. pashutFree is not liable for decisions made based on this content.