Here’s what experts want you to know.
If you’ve been trying to avoid sesame but still struggle to identify it in packaged foods, a new law might make your life a little easier.
Starting this year, sesame is officially the ninth major food allergen required to be labeled on all packaged foods and dietary supplements, along with milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans.

This change comes thanks to the FASTER Act, which aims to help those with sesame allergies “quickly identify whether a packaged food item contains sesame.”
“If you or your family members are allergic to sesame, this important change will help,” said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in its announcement.
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The FDA also released educational materials to help people understand the changes from the FASTER Act. These include a webpage with labeling details, a social media toolkit, and a video about the law’s impact.
Moreover, food safety experts warned that some products made before the FASTER Act may not have updated labels. Consumers should check food labels carefully and contact manufacturers with any concerns about allergens.