Faster Act in Action: Understanding Sesame Legislation in 2023

The Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education & Research (FASTER) Act became law in April 2021, requiring manufacturers to list sesame as a food allergen if it is present in packaged foods beginning January 1, 2023. This bipartisan legislation was the first successful effort to label a new food allergen since 2004. Achieved through 17 years of FARE advocacy efforts, the FASTER Act represents a huge step forward for those with sesame allergy. However, its implementation has been complicated by many companies in the baked goods sector adding sesame flour to plain products as a new ingredient rather than taking steps during production to prevent sesame cross-contact. In this session, the presenters will review U.S. labeling updates, consumer expectations and where we go from here.

[patrick-vwsg]

Can't wait for new legislation to correct this poor implementation. Should only be another 10 or 15 years before people with sesame allergies can eat a hot dog or hamburger again, pat yourselves on the back for that one FARE.

If only these groups would work more closely with the private sector to understand their perspective, we could pass some laws that would benefit everyone