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Seed Allergy

Sesame seed allergy appears to be on the rise in many countries, including the United States.  These seeds are capable of causing severe allergic reactions.  Canada and the European Commission have added sesame to the list of ingredients that must be reported on food labels, although the U.S. has not yet done so.

The more widely an allergenic food is consumed in a particular country, the more likely the population is to report an allergy to that food. In the Middle East, where sesame seeds and oil are dietary staples, the incidence of sesame seed allergy is very high.  In fact, sesame is the third most common allergy in Israeli children, after cow’s milk allergy and egg allergy. Researchers theorize that the growing popularity of snacks and ethnic foods that contain sesame in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand accounts for the increase in sesame seed allergy in these parts of the world.

Allergies to other seeds (e.g., poppy, sunflower, pumpkin, rapeseed, and flaxseed, also known as linseed) are much less common, so they are not discussed in detail here.  People who are allergic to one type of seed don’t necessarily have to avoid all others, so you should discuss this matter with your doctor.

How to Avoid Seeds
The federal Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) currently does not require that manufacturers list sesame or any other type of seed on ingredient labels.  That means that if you have a seed allergy, you will have to be especially vigilant.  Always read all product labels carefully before purchasing and consuming any item.   Be on the lookout for vague language (e.g., “spices”) and call the manufacturer to find out whether or not the product contains sesame.  Remember, also, that ingredients change from time to time, so check labels every time you shop.   Sesame and other seeds are found in a wide array of foods, so always take extra precaution when dining in restaurants or eating foods prepared by others.  If you are ever in doubt about any product or dish, don’t eat it.

The following ingredients and foods indicate the presence of sesame seed protein:
Benne/benne seed/benniseed
Gomasio (sesame salt)
Halvah
Hummus
Tahini
Seeds
Sesame oil (also known as gingelly or til oil)
Sesamol/sesamolina
Sesamum indicum
Sim sim
Vegetable oil

• Baked goods (breads, buns, rolls, crackers, cookies, pastries, bagels, etc.) and certain cereals (e.g., muesli) often contain sesame and other seeds (e.g., poppy, sunflower).
• Many snack foods (e.g., trail mix, granola bars, protein bars, candy, rice cakes, pretzels, bagel chips or pita chips) contain sesame seeds.
• Sesame seeds may be found in a wide variety of other foods, including margarine, sauces, dips, soups, salad dressing, processed meats, and vegetarian burgers.  
• Bakeries and ethnic restaurants (such as Middle Eastern and Asian) are considered high-risk for people with sesame allergy due to the common use of sesame and the risk of cross-contamination, even if a sesame-free item is ordered. 

Non-food sources of sesame seeds include health and beauty aids (cosmetics, soaps, hair care products, etc.), certain drugs and ointments, pet food, and livestock feed.