 In 2004, ninety percent of food allergies and serious allergic reactions in the U.S. were the result of “the big eight.” Milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans were identified by the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) (Public Law 108-282) as major food allergens. Effective January 1, 2023, sesame joined “the big eight,” as the ninth major food allergen. The Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-11), also known as the FASTER Act, requires allergen labeling for FDA-regulated packaged foods containing sesame. Click here to watch a short video on the new regulation. Packaged foods produced prior to January 1, 2023, that are still available in retail stores may not have the sesame allergen labeling. During this labeling transition, consumers with a sesame allergy should take extra precautions and contact the manufacturer or distributor of the product to confirm its ingredients. |
Did you hear? May is National Asthma and Food Allergy Awareness Month! – Bachelor on the Cheap
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Millions of Americans and their families are impacted by food allergies. A food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to a particular food. Allergic reactions from food can range from mild to life threatening. Food allergy awareness is a critical part of food safety.
In recognition of National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month and Food Allergy Awareness Week, FNS is highlighting resources to help you easily identify common food allergens and safely manage food allergies.
In 2004, ninety percent of food allergies and serious allergic reactions in the U.S. were the result of “the big eight.” Milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans were identified by the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) (Public Law 108-282) as major food allergens.
Effective January 1, 2023, sesame joined “the big eight,” as the ninth major food allergen. The Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-11), also known as the FASTER Act, requires allergen labeling for FDA-regulated packaged foods containing sesame. Click here to watch a short video on the new regulation.
Packaged foods produced prior to January 1, 2023, that are still available in retail stores may not have the sesame allergen labeling. During this labeling transition, consumers with a sesame allergy should take extra precautions and contact the manufacturer or distributor of the product to confirm its ingredients.
Food Allergy Awareness Week is a great time to learn how WIC food packages are tailored to better meet the needs of participants with food allergies.
Check out WIC Works to learn how to read nutrition labels for allergen information, and more!