New Concerns About Sesame Allergies

(CNN) — Sesame could become the newest allergen added to the list of foods required to be named on labels, US Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb announced Monday. Eight major food allergens must currently be declared on US labeling using their common names: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans. These foods accounted for over 90% of documented serious food allergies in the country when the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act, which required the clear labeling of ingredients, was passed in 2004. The FDA cites the undeclared presence of allergens as one of the leading reasons for food recalls and a public health issue. “Unfortunately, we’re beginning to see evidence that sesame allergies may be a growing concern in the US,” Gottlieb said. “A handful of studies, for example, suggest that the prevalence of sesame allergies in the US is more than 0.1 percent, on par with allergies to soy and fish.” Lisa Gable, CEO of the nonprofit group Food Allergy Research and Education, said research suggests that over 300,000 Americans are affected by sesame allergies. “The consensus of both doctors and advocacy groups that support people with food allergies is that sesame is growing into being a national problem and should absolutely be added as one of the allergens to be disclosed on labeling,” she said. The group says sesame reactions can vary from person to person and can ...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health News Allergies Local TV Sesame Source Type: news