US FDA adds sesame seeds to list of major food allergens

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added sesame seeds to the list of major food allergens defined by law.

The list of major food allergens also includes milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, crustaceans, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans.

The addition of sesame to the list of major food allergens means that foods containing it will be subject to specific regulatory requirements for food allergens, including requirements related to labeling and processing.

Sesame allergy affects people of all ages, and its symptoms may appear in the form of cough, itchy throat, vomiting, diarrhea, a rash in the mouth, shortness of breath, wheezing, and low blood pressure,