USDA’s FSIS enhances allergen verification guidelines with sesame inclusion

USA- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA’s FSIS) has updated its allergen verification guidelines to incorporate sesame as the ninth major food allergen. 

This follows the designation of sesame under the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research Act (FASTER Act).

The FASTER Act, a federal law enacted in 2021, expanded the list of major food allergens to include sesame, alongside the existing eight allergens: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. 

The revised guidelines, detailed in the directive “Ongoing Verification of Product Formulation and Labeling Targeting the Nine Most Common (Big 9) Food Allergens—Revision 3,” equip inspection program personnel (IPP) with updated information to ensure accurate control and labeling of these allergens in meat, Siluriformes products (catfish), poultry, and egg products.

Manufacturers were mandated to include sesame as an allergen on packaged goods, including nutritional supplements, starting January 1, 2023. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may prompt the FSIS to request voluntary recalls from the establishments.

The proactive approach taken by FSIS reflects its commitment to safeguarding consumer health and maintaining precise food labeling standards in the meat, poultry, and egg product industries. This revision addresses the evolving landscape of food allergens and aims to fortify allergen verification measures.

Sesame Allergy on the Rise

Sesame allergy is a growing concern in the United States, affecting approximately 0.23% of children and adults. Including sesame in the list of major food allergens underscores the need for heightened awareness and testing methods.

Among the main allergen classes found in sesame are oleosin, vicillins, and seed storage proteins. Testing for sesame allergies can be challenging, with skin testing not revealing oleosin, a major sesame allergen. It is recommended to employ both skin and serum methods to diagnose sesame allergies accurately and prevent erroneous negative findings.

Furthermore, the quantity of allergens may vary among the three types of sesame seeds. Whites contain more allergens than brown or black sesame seeds. Notably, all varieties of sesame seeds, including sesame flour and oil, are considered highly allergenic.

By shedding light on the intricacies of sesame allergies and updating allergen verification guidelines, the USDA’s FSIS aims to contribute to a safer and more informed food landscape for consumers nationwide.

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