Murphy, Blumenthal, Markey Call On FDA To Label And Regulate All Sesame Products

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) called on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take swift action to require labeling of products that contain sesame or sesame seeds. Currently, sesame is not required to be labeled as an allergen on food products. The senators heard directly from concerned Connecticut residents about the dangers caused by this lack of labeling for individuals allergic to sesame. In response, the senators wrote a letter to FDA Acting Commissioner Stephen Ostroff requesting that the agency require that sesame -- one of the most common allergens in the United States -- be listed specifically by name on ingredient lists and that sesame be included in inspections for cross-contact.

"Given the severity and growing prevalence of sesame allergies, we respectfully ask the FDA to move expeditiously under its current authority to require sesame labeling and inspection of sesame cross-contact to help protect the health and safety of our constituents," wrote the senators. "Without required uniform labeling of the presence of sesame, consumers with this serious allergy have no way of protecting themselves or their family members from its potentially life-threatening consequences. As Congress recognized when it passed FALCPA, accurate and comprehensive allergen labeling is essential."

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