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Sesame Allergy Increasing Rapidly |
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Sesame allergy is on the rise and quickly becoming one of the top food allergens, according to a report published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
The sesame seed and its by products are used widely in the food industry. You may be familiar with sesame seed hamburger buns, sesame seed crackers or sesame seed breadsticks. But are you aware sesame oil is used in pharmaceutical products? It is often used in ointments, soaps, and cosmetics.
Public Awareness Limited
According to the authors of the report, in spite of the growing use of sesame seed and oil in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, research and public awareness on sesame allergy are very limited.
A prevalence study of Australian children placed sesame as the fourth food allergen, following egg, milk and peanut. A study of Israeli children placed sesame as the third most common food allergen, following egg and cow's milk. Among the Israeli children sesame was the second leading cause of anphylaxis.
Sesame is included as a major food allergen for labeling purposes in other countries (European Commission and Canada) but not in the United States.
ACAAI News Release |
