ASTA Comments on FDA Request for Information on Gluten Labeling and Cross-Contact in Packaged Foods
In April 2026, ASTA submitted comments in response to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) request for information (RFI) on labeling and cross-contact of gluten in packaged foods, which specifically referenced ingredients that can be declared using collective terms, such as spices. ASTA's comments highlight that no spices inherently contain gluten, note that FDA should take a scientific, risk-based approach to unintended gluten presence, and express support for consistency with existing FDA requirements and harmonization with internal standards for gluten labeling.
04/16/2026 at 12:00 am
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ASTA signed onto FBIA coalition comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2022, requesting that the FDA clarify that the compliance date under the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research Act (FASTER) means that food products containing sesame must be labeled with a sesame allergen statement on or after January 1, 2021 and that products labeled before that do not need to be in compliance with the FASTER Act.
ASTA Comments to FDA on Voluntary Sesame Labeling Guidance
ASTA issued comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2021 on the Voluntary Disclosure of Sesame as an Allergen: Guidance for Industry. Comments outline inconsistencies and confusion arising from the guidance, including that FDA policy already provides that sesame should not be labeled under the generic declaration of spices. ASTA requests that FDA revoke the voluntary guidance due to the legislative process and the FASTER Act.
