Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies: Sesame Allergies
ID
FST-449NP
Sesame Allergies
Remember to ALWAYS read food labels carefully and watch for hidden allergens. Hidden allergens are ingredients derived from or containing major food allergens with common names that may be unfamiliar to consumers. Foods of ingredients to AVOID if allergic to sesame: (This is not an exhaustive list.)
- Benne, benne seed,benniseed
- Gingelly, gingelly oil*
- Gomasio (sesame salt)
- Halvah, halwah
- Sesame flour
- Sesame oil*
- Sesame paste
- Sesame salt
- Sesame seed
- Sesamol
- Sesamum indicum
- Sesemolina
- Sim sim
- Tahini, tahina, tehina
- Til
Note: *When oils are highly refined most people with food allergies can safely eat them. However, sesame oil is not usually highly refined, so it is recommended to avoid sesame oil if you have an allergy to sesame.
Contacting the oil manufacturer may be the only way to know if the oil is free from the allergenic protein.
May also contain sesame:
- Baked goods
- Bread crumbs
- Cereals
- Chips
- Crackers
- Dipping sauces (Hummus)
- Dressings, gravies, marinades, and sauces
- Desserts (Pasteli, Sim sim, Halvah)
- Falafel
- Flavored noodles and rice
- Margarine
- Meats and sausages
- Protein energy bars
- Soups
- Sushi
- Tempeh
- Vegetarian burgers
Cuisines: Chinese, Egyptian, French, Greek, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Italian, Israeli, Lebanese, Mexican, Turkish, Ugandan, Vietnamese.
Please note that in packaged foods prior to January 1, 2023, sesame was not required to be labeled as an allergen. If allergic and unsure whether a food product contains sesame, it is best to avoid that food or contact the manufacturer for more information.
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Publication Date
May 31, 2023