WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Monday applauded the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for moving to consider labeling products that contain sesame after calls from elected officials, consumer advocates and medical professionals. The FDA has issued a request for information to better understand the severity of sesame allergies in the U.S. While foods containing sesame are not named as a major allergen under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protect Act, which was passed in 2004, the growing prevalence and severity of sesame allergies has shown the need for further action in this area.

“I heard from families across Connecticut who struggled to shop for food because they were unsure if a product had sesame. A lack of clear labels poses a huge risk to individuals with sesame allergies. I applaud the FDA for taking the first step to begin considering labeling sesame products to help protect the health and safety of our constituents,” said Murphy.  

Earlier this year, Murphy led a letter to Commissioner Scott Gottlieb urging the FDA to require labeling of products that contain sesame or sesame seeds after hearing from Connecticut families about the lack of sesame labeling. The lack of labeling can pose grave risk to individuals allergic to sesame.

 

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