Unintended Consequences: How Sesame Allergen Labeling Backfired
2025-05-23
A new US regulation mandating sesame allergen labeling, intended to protect allergy sufferers, has yielded unexpected consequences. To mitigate recall and litigation risks associated with cross-contamination, some manufacturers are adding small amounts of sesame to products that previously didn't contain it. While technically compliant, this reduces options for sesame-allergic consumers. Researchers used the USDA Global Branded Food Products Database to analyze ingredient changes, finding breads and baked goods most affected. The study highlights the complexities of policymaking and how real-world implementation may deviate from intended goals.