Sesame Allergy Labeling Law: What the 2023 FASTER Act Means
On January 1, 2023, sesame became the ninth major food allergen in the United States. The Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act requires food makers to label sesame clearly on all packaged foods. This change protects millions of people with sesame allergies. If someone in your family has a sesame allergy, you need to understand this new law and how to use it when shopping.
How the FASTER Act Changed Sesame Labeling
Before 2023, sesame did not have its own labeling requirement. Food makers could hide sesame in vague ingredient lists. They might list it as "tahini," "hummus," or "natural flavoring." Parents and caregivers had to hunt through ingredient lists or call manufacturers.
The FASTER Act changed this. Now, food makers must clearly state "sesame" on the label. They cannot bury it in fine print. The label must say "Contains: Sesame" or list "sesame" as a main ingredient.
This law applies to all packaged foods sold in the United States. It covers obvious sources like tahini and hummus. It also covers hidden sources like bread, crackers, baked goods, sauces, and spice blends. Sesame oil, sesame seeds, and sesame flour all trigger the labeling requirement.
The law gives food makers time to change labels. Most major brands completed the switch by early 2023. Smaller brands may still be updating. If you see a product without clear sesame labeling, it may be old stock.
What You Need to Know When Shopping
Check the "Contains" statement first. Look for a bold or highlighted line that says "Contains: Sesame." This is the fastest way to spot sesame.
Read the full ingredient list if there is no "Contains" statement. Look for sesame, tahini, hummus, sesame oil, sesame flour, or sesame seeds.
Watch for hidden sesame in bread and baked goods. Many breads use sesame seeds on top or inside. Check the label before buying.
Be cautious with spice blends and seasonings. Sesame often hides in za'atar, dukkah, and other Middle Eastern spice mixes.
Check sauces and dressings. Tahini is a common ingredient in hummus, salad dressings, and Asian sauces.
Look at allergen warnings. Some labels say "May contain sesame" or "Processed in a facility with sesame." These warnings mean cross-contact is possible.
Use the recall database to check if any products your family uses have been recalled for undeclared sesame.
Common Questions About Sesame Labeling
Q: Does the FASTER Act apply to restaurants and bulk foods?
A: The law applies to packaged foods sold in stores. Restaurants, bulk bins, and deli counters are not covered. Always ask restaurant staff about sesame in food. For bulk items, ask the store staff to check with the supplier.
Q: What if a label says "may contain sesame"?
A: This warning means sesame might be present due to shared equipment or facilities. People with severe allergies should avoid these products. People with mild allergies may tolerate them, but talk to your doctor first. Never assume "may contain" is safe.
Q: Are all sesame products labeled the same way?
A: Yes. All food makers must follow the same labeling rules. If sesame is present, it must be clearly stated. The format may vary slightly, but the word "sesame" must appear in plain language.
Q: What should I do if I find a product with unlabeled sesame?
A: Report it to the FDA or the product maker. You can also report it to Recall Watch. Unlabeled allergens are serious safety issues. Your report helps protect other families.
Q: Does the FASTER Act cover pet food?
A: The law covers human food. Pet food labeling is not yet required to follow the same rules. If your pet has a sesame allergy, contact the pet food maker directly.
When to Take Action
If someone in your household has a sesame allergy, take action now. Check your pantry for products that may contain sesame. Look at labels on bread, crackers, sauces, and spice blends. If you find products without clear sesame labeling, replace them. Check the how to find lot numbers guide if you need to report a product to the manufacturer. Talk to your doctor about your family member's allergy and what precautions to take.
Stay Ahead of Recalls
The FASTER Act makes sesame labeling clearer, but mistakes still happen. Food makers sometimes miss sesame in their ingredient lists. Recalls for undeclared sesame occur regularly. You cannot rely on labels alone to keep your family safe.
Set up free personalized recall alerts for products your family eats. Recall Watch will notify you if any of those products are recalled for undeclared sesame or other allergens. You will get alerts by email or text, so you can act fast.