Good morning. This is your Wellness Wake-Up Call with University of Illinois Extension.
This month, we are discussing food allergies, and today’s focus is sesame. Sesame is known for its culinary versatility and superfood properties and is a common ingredient in various foods. However, it’s now the ninth most common food allergen for children and adults.
Sesame can appear in surprising places. In January 2023, the FDA began requiring sesame to be clearly identified as an allergen on packaged foods.
Foods That May Contain Sesame
- Asian cuisine which commonly uses sesame oil
- Baked goods (such as bagels, bread, hamburger buns)
- Cereal and granola
- Chips and crackers
- Falafel
- Hummus made with tahini paste
- Marinades and sauces
- Protein and energy bars
- Sushi
- Tempeh
- Vegetarian burgers
If you have an allergy to sesame, here are three things you can do to protect yourself or your loved ones.
- Read labels. Carefully read the ingredient list on the food packaging to identify potential allergens.
- Avoid products without labels. If foods do not contain an ingredient list, skip it - and choose something you know is safe.
- Steer clear of foods with advisory labels. Avoid products labeled as being made on the same equipment or facility that also processes sesame, as trace amounts in the product could cause a reaction.
Always know what ingredients are in your food and help educate others about your food allergy. Together, we can create a more informed and supportive community for people with allergies in our lives.
Thank you for listening! I hope you have a happy and healthy day ahead. Content for this episode was provided by Diane Reinhold, nutrition and wellness educator for University of Illinois Extension.
Resources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38672826/ Viewed 01/22/2025
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38672826/ Viewed: 01/22/2025
