FARE Responds to Companies Intentionally Adding Sesame Flour as FASTER Act Goes Into Effect
FARE's Response
We are delighted that the FASTER Act, which went into effect on January 1, 2023, ensures products containing sesame will be labeled. Unfortunately, we are disappointed and concerned that many baking companies are intentionally adding sesame flour to their products to avoid the cost of cleaning their lines.
FARE has been working over the last few months to fight back.
When we first heard of this practice earlier this year, we encouraged members of the American Bakers Association to do the right thing by our community and clean their lines to provide safe and sesame-free products to our community.
Make your voice heard, let Congress know about this issue.
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Statement of Robert Earl, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, FARE regarding FDA’s response to the CSPI petition on manufacturers adding sesame to products in response to FASTER Act
Statement by Robert Earl, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, FARE
Sesame is being newly added to some foods. The FDA says it doesn’t violate an allergy law
But food safety advocates say the practice endangers people with sesame allergies. “It limits our choice and it puts our community at greater risk,” said Robert Earl, vice president of regulatory affairs for the nonprofit group Food Allergy Research & Education.
FDA Criticized for Response to Bakers Adding Sesame Allergen
A bakers’ group is citing “consumer safety” as the reason for the sudden addition of sesame – now the ninth top U.S. allergen – to numerous baked goods. Meantime, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s response to the new practice is being criticized as “tepid.”
Statement of Jason Linde, Senior Vice President of Advocacy, FARE, responding to the American Bakers Association letter to Congress regarding its members intentionally adding sesame to its products to “protect consumer safety.”
Statement by Jason Linde, Senior Vice President, Government & Community Affairs, FARE
The great sesame debacle
Congress asked food makers to label sesame as an allergen. It backfired in a big way. McCarthy includes SNAP work requirements in debt ceiling bill. FDA’s Susan Mayne to appear before a House Oversight panel. Plus, the Senate’s candy desk.
To comply with a new sesame allergy law, some businesses add — sesame
Because companies are adding sesame in the form of flour, not seeds, the added allergen is invisible to the eye, making it more dangerous.
New law causing unintended consequences for those with major food allergies
The spirit of the law was to make it clearer as to what was in their products and safer. Rather than do that, they've kind of taken the easy road out and added sesame.
Sesame allergy moms sound off about shortcuts on FDA guidelines: 'Threatening the lives of our kids'
Families feel 'betrayed' by brands they trusted, said AllergyStrong executive director and allergy mom
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Companies Intentionally Adding Sesame Flour to Products.
Major food brands are adding sesame to items in 'shortcut' after FDA declares the seed a 'major allergen'
Food Allergy Research and Education executive called a workaround 'disappointing'
Bread Suppliers ‘Adding Sesame’ as Seed Becomes Top Allergen
A growing number of U.S. commercial bakeries are intentionally adding sesame to some breads and baked goods, then labeling sesame as an ingredient.
Chick-Fil-A And Other Restaurants Added Sesame To Their Food And People With Sesame Allergies Are Pissed
People are concerned that restaurants and food manufacturers may be adding sesame to products in response to a law that was passed to make it easier for those with allergies to identify the ingredient.
FARE statements regarding food companies intentionally adding sesame flour to their products to avoid complying with the intent of the FASTER Act
Statement by Jason Linde, Senior Vice President, Government & Community Affairs, FARE
Ohio family says the FASTER Act will create a better life for their son
The act requires sesame to be added onto the list of major food allergens and food companies are required to clearly label it in the ingredients.
Become An Advocate
FARE Advocates build and sustain critical support for the food allergies on the local and national levels by advocating for the most significant public policy issues facing our community. We use our collective voice of 33 million Americans living with potentially life-threatening food allergies to effect change across the country.