Sesame Is a Major Allergen: Label & Supply-Chain Checks

Introduction

Sesame allergies affect over 1.6 million Americans, with reactions ranging from mild skin irritation to potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis. What makes sesame especially challenging is its widespread use in global cuisines and processed foods—from hamburger buns and crackers to dressings and spice blends.

The recognition of sesame as a major food allergen has transformed how food producers, importers, and retailers must approach labeling and supply chain management. Getting this right isn’t just about regulatory compliance—it’s about keeping real people safe.

Importance of Labeling

Regulatory Compliance

In January 2023, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) was updated to include sesame as the 9th major food allergen in the United States. This means sesame must now be clearly declared on food labels, just like the original “Big 8” allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans).

The FDA sesame allergen regulations now require that any product containing sesame as an ingredient must clearly indicate its presence, either in the ingredient list or through a “Contains” statement. This applies to both domestic products and those imported to the US market.

Countries including Canada, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, and now the United States have led the charge in recognizing the importance of sesame allergen labeling requirements. Each has established specific protocols for how sesame must be identified on packaging.

Consumer Awareness

Clear sesame labeling serves as a crucial safety net for allergic consumers. When labels are accurate, shoppers can make quick, confident decisions about which products are safe for them or their family members.

“Before sesame was required on labels, I had to call manufacturers for every new product I wanted to try,” explains Sarah, whose daughter has a severe sesame allergy. “Sometimes they couldn’t even confirm if sesame was present because they didn’t track it through their supply chain.”

Supply-Chain Challenges

Cross-Contamination Risks

Cross-contamination occurs when sesame inadvertently comes into contact with other food products during growing, harvesting, transportation, or manufacturing. This can happen when:

• ✔️ Equipment is shared between sesame and non-sesame products
• ✔️ Ingredients are processed in the same facility
• ✔️ Storage containers or transportation vehicles aren’t properly cleaned between uses

Even trace amounts of sesame can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. This makes sesame allergen supply chain verification critical at every stage of production.

Traceability in Supply Chains

Traceability means being able to follow sesame-containing ingredients from their source through processing, manufacturing, and distribution. Food producers importing sesame products to the US need documented verification from suppliers and testing protocols to ensure accuracy.

Effective traceability strategies include:

• ✔️ Requiring supplier certifications of allergen control programs
• ✔️ Implementing batch coding systems
• ✔️ Conducting regular testing for sesame protein
• ✔️ Maintaining detailed records of ingredient sources
• ✔️ Using blockchain or other digital tracking systems

Best Practices for Safety

Supplier Audits

Regular supplier audits are the foundation of sesame allergen management. When importing sesame products or ingredients that may contain sesame, companies should:

• ✔️ Conduct initial qualification audits before accepting new suppliers
• ✔️ Perform annual on-site assessments of existing suppliers
• ✔️ Review allergen control programs and cleaning validation
• ✔️ Verify testing methods and their sensitivity
• ✔️ Assess employee training on allergen management

One importer of Middle Eastern food products established a quarterly audit program for all sesame tahini suppliers, reducing allergen-related incidents by 87% in the first year.

Training and Awareness Programs

Effective allergen management depends on well-trained staff who understand the significance of preventing cross-contact. Training should cover:

• ✔️ Identification of sesame in its various forms (seeds, oil, paste, flour)
• ✔️ Proper cleaning procedures for equipment
• ✔️ Production scheduling to minimize cross-contamination
• ✔️ Verification of ingredient specifications
• ✔️ Label review protocols before packaging

Clear Communication

Communication failures represent one of the biggest risks in allergen management. Here’s how to maintain clear lines of communication:

• ✔️ Establish standardized allergen questionnaires for suppliers
• ✔️ Create clear graphics and color-coding for sesame-containing materials
• ✔️ Implement change management protocols when ingredients or processes change
• ✔️ Develop rapid response plans for potential allergen issues
• ✔️ Use digital platforms to share real-time allergen information across the supply chain

Case Studies

Success Story: Specialty Bakery’s Approach

A national bakery chain developed a comprehensive approach to how to label sesame products after the new regulations took effect. They implemented:

• ✔️ Color-coded production schedules (red days for sesame, green days for sesame-free)
• ✔️ Dedicated storage areas for sesame ingredients
• ✔️ Rigorous validation of cleaning procedures between production runs
• ✔️ Triple verification of labels before printing

The result: zero sesame-related recalls and increased consumer trust.

Lessons from a Supply Chain Failure

A major granola manufacturer faced a massive recall when sesame oil was inadvertently included in a product despite not being on the ingredient declaration. The investigation revealed:

• ✔️ The supplier had changed an ingredient formulation without proper notification
• ✔️ There was no verification process for supplier formula changes
• ✔️ Testing protocols weren’t sensitive enough to detect the sesame oil
• ✔️ Communication breakdowns occurred between purchasing and quality control teams

This incident highlights why systematic verification at multiple points is essential.

Conclusion

The elevation of sesame to major allergen status represents a significant shift for food producers and importers. Managing sesame throughout the supply chain demands vigilance, clear communication, and robust systems.

Following USDA sesame import guidelines and FDA sesame allergen compliance requirements isn’t just about avoiding regulatory issues—it’s about protecting consumers who rely on accurate information to stay safe.

The best practices outlined in this article—from supplier audits to training programs—provide a roadmap for successfully navigating the complexities of sesame allergen management. By implementing thorough verification processes and prioritizing clear labeling, companies can build trust with consumers while meeting their regulatory obligations.

Struggling with sesame allergen compliance for your imported food products? We can help. Global Import Agent specializes in navigating FDA regulations for food importers, ensuring your products meet all sesame allergen labeling requirements before entering the US market. Our team of FDA compliance experts will review your labels, verify your supply chain documentation, and help implement best practices that protect consumers and your business. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you avoid costly delays at customs while maintaining the highest safety standards for your food products.