Sesame (til) is a part of our diet for time immemorial. We prepare a range of dishes with sesame seeds - hummus, chutney, ladoo and curries to name a few. The ingredient not only adds taste and texture to food but also loads you up with a good amount of vitamins, iron, zinc et al. But did you know that sesame seeds can lead to allergies as well? You heard us. As per foodallergyawareness.org, sesame is an allergen, just like tree nuts milk etc. Hence, the United States Food and Drug Administration has decided to add sesame seeds to the list of major food allergens. The modification (on the list) will be implemented from January 1, 2022.
According to a CNN report, the FDA was reviewing whether to put sesame seeds on the major food allergens list for several years. "Adding sesame to the major food allergens list means foods containing sesame will be subject to specific food allergen regulatory requirements, including those regarding labelling and manufacturing," the report reads.
Also Read: Customer's Long List Of Food Allergies Shocks Restaurant, Reddit Says 'Stay Home'
What Are The Symptoms Of Sesame Allergy:
Sesame allergy can affect people of all ages. The common symptoms of sesame allergy are:
- Rash
- Itching
- Swelling in the lips, tongue, mouth, throat, or around the eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drop in blood pressure
What Causes Sesame Allergy | How To Avoid Sesame Allergy:
According to several studies, sesame allergy is a result of eating foods that contain sesame seeds, sesame flour and sesame seed oil.
Sesame allergy typically results from eating foods containing sesame seeds, sesame flour or sesame seed oil. "The immune system overreacts to proteins found in sesame-containing foods, initiating the allergic reaction," reads a report in the Journal of Asthma Allergy. It is also said that once affected, over 70 percent of people remain sensitive to sesame for their whole life.
Here's How You Can Avoid Sesame Allergy:
- Check the labels and avoid food that contains sesame and its products.
- Replace sesame with other alternatives in dishes like hummus, chutney et al.
- At restaurants, mention not to add sesame to your food while placing your order.
If you are allergic to sesame, we suggest to follow these basic tips to avoid any kind of irritation in your body. But always remember to consult an expert before making any decision on changing your diet plan.
For the unversed, other Food Allergens On The FDA List Include:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fish
- Crustacean
- Shellfish
- Tree nuts
- Peanuts
- Wheat
- Soybeans