CSPI Seeks Disclosure of Sesame Seeds on Food Labels

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has filed a citizen petition
with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking a rule that would
require sesame seeds and sesame products to be disclosed on food labels
in the same way that allergens, such as milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts,
peanuts, wheat, and soy, are disclosed. CSPI asks that sesame be added to
FDA’s list of allergens in its “Statement of Policy for Labeling and Preventing
Cross-contact of Common Food Allergens” “to address both labeling and cross
contact issues related to food manufacturing practices.” The petition includes
letters from parents of purported sesame-allergic children “explaining why
better labeling is so important for their families.” They claim that reactions
to sesame have been severe and life-threatening. See CSPI News Release,
November 18, 2014.