How to Minimize Sesame Cross-Contact in Food Manufacturing Facilities
July 28, 2025 | 1 min to read
The FASTER Act of 2021 has officially included sesame as the ninth major allergen, requiring all FDA-regulated foods containing sesame to be labeled accordingly since January 1, 2023. This includes clear identification in the "contains" allergen list. However, foods produced prior to this date are exempt from relabeling and may continue to be sold until stocks are depleted.
The Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act of 2021 officially added sesame as the ninth major allergen. Since January 1, 2023, all food regulated by the FDA containing sesame needs to be clearly identified per the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), including in the “contains” list of allergens.
What foods are affected by the FASTER Act?
All food containing sesame as an ingredient that’s produced after January 1, 2023, and covered by FDA regulation will need to comply with major allergen labeling rules.
Food produced before January 1, 2023, will not need to be relabeled and can continue to be sold until it runs out of stock.
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