On April 14, 2021 the US House of Representatives passed a bill (S. 578) entitled the “Food Allergen Safety Treatment Education and Research ACT” designating sesame as a major food allergen, and directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit a report to Congress in 18 months with the status of federal activities for monitoring and conducting scientific research on food allergies and recommending a framework that would allow for the establishment of additional major food allergens.
The Bill had been passed by the Senate in March 2021, and it is now headed to President Biden where it is expected to be signed into law.
Under the rule, sesame will be added to the list of major allergens under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Any food or ingredient containing a major food allergen is required to list it in the ingredient declaration. Formerly, sesame, considered a spice, was not required to be labeled by name in the ingredient declaration, although FDA had recently published guidance suggesting that firms do so. Once the FASTER Act is signed into law any food with sesame that is introduced or delivered for introduction into interstate commerce on or after January 1, 2023 must be labeled accordingly.
Certified Laboratories tests for Sesame and all eight allergens in accordance with FDA guidance with accurate results and the fastest turnaround times. Talk to one of our experts to learn more.
EAS Consulting Group labeling team offers detailed reviews of labels for compliance with FDA’s Nutrition Facts Panel and Supplement Facts Panels. We assess marketing and process claims as well as allergen declarations and more. For more information on our services Contact Us to schedule a call. We also invite you visit the Food Labeling and Claims Support page on our website and download our Food Product Development and Labeling Services info sheet.
Our next Food and Dietary Supplement Labeling Compliance intensive seminar takes place October 4, 6 & 8, 2021. Take advantage of early-bird pricing by registering here.
Posted in Client Update, Foods.