For years, sesame was a serious allergen that US labeling law didn't fully cover. That changed with the FASTER Act, which added sesame as the ninth major food allergen effective January 1, 2023. Since then, packaged foods that contain sesame must declare it the same way they declare milk or peanuts. If you're managing a sesame allergy, the law is now on your side — but the alternative names still matter.
What the FASTER Act actually requires
Since January 1, 2023, sesame must be declared in plain language on packaged-food labels — in the ingredient list or a "Contains" statement — just like the other eight major allergens. Before that, sesame could be buried in vague terms like "spices" or "natural flavors." One side effect worth knowing: some manufacturers responded to the new rule by intentionally adding sesame to products (so they can label a shared line as containing it) rather than preventing cross-contact — so always re-check labels you used to trust.
The names sesame hides behind
Sesame appears as tahini (sesame paste), benne or benne seed, gingelly or gingelly oil, sesamol and sesamum, and in foods like halvah / halva and hummus. Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and many baked or "everything"-style products are common sources.
FDA Top-9 Allergen Reference
Check sesame and 8 other allergens
Open FDA Top-9 Allergen Reference →Sesame is now declared like any major allergen, but recipes changed in response to the law — re-read labels. Use the Top-9 reference to check any unfamiliar term.