History of Sesame allergy in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 8, 2025

Sesame allergy affects approximately 0.1-0.2% of the general population, with higher rates in regions where sesame is a dietary staple. Reported cases have risen in the 21st century, potentially due to increased exposure or awareness. This increase has led to regulations requiring food labeling to identify sesame as an ingredient and potential allergen. In the United States, sesame became the ninth major allergen requiring mandatory labeling, effective January 1, 2023. Accurate labeling is crucial for individuals with sesame allergies to avoid accidental exposure and potentially severe reactions.

2004: Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA)

In 2004, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) in the United States increased awareness of food allergies each time people handled food packages.

2005: European Union Requires Sesame Labeling

In 2005, the European Union required the listing of sesame and other allergens on food labeling.

January 2006: FALCPA Effective Date

In January 2006, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) became effective, requiring companies to disclose the presence of eight major food allergens on food labels in the United States.

November 2020: FDA Draft Guidance on Sesame Labeling

In November 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued draft guidance recommending that food manufacturers add sesame-containing foods to labels, which would make sesame the ninth required allergy label requirement.

March 2022: Clinical Trial on Early Sesame Introduction

In March 2022, a clinical trial that studied the effect of introducing sesame to infants early versus delaying, did not have enough subjects with sesame allergy to arrive at statistically significant conclusions.

January 2023: Sesame Becomes Ninth Major Allergen in the US

In January 2023, sesame became the ninth food allergen with mandatory labeling in the United States.

January 2023: Sesame Labeling Becomes Mandatory Under the FASTER Act

On January 1, 2023, the "FASTER Act" came into effect, mandating sesame labeling in the US, but some national baked goods suppliers responded by adding sesame to bread products to avoid cross-contamination prevention measures, causing consumer and restaurant outcry.