Multi-Industry Comments on the Voluntary Disclosure of Sesame as an Allergen

ASTA issued comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2018 in response to the FDA's Request for Comment on Sesame as an Allergen in Foods. The comments support labeling sesame as a major allergen, provided that sufficient time is offered to implement new labeling and GMP requirements.

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.