Sesame is a common food allergen, and an increasing number of people are being diagnosed with sesame allergy. It is considered a major allergen in some regions, requiring its declaration on food labels. Sesame allergy can cause mild to severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
People with a sesame allergy must avoid consuming foods that contain sesame seeds or sesame-derived products. This includes foods like tahini, hummus, certain bread, pastries, sauces, and salads. It's important to carefully read ingredient labels, as sesame can be listed under various names, such as benne seed, gingelly, sim sim, or til.
