CSPI pushes for uniform national safeguards to minimize unnecessary allergen exposure and promote better labeling transparency. We fueled the push for national food allergen labeling with a petition to the FDA for allergen labeling that helped inspire the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) of 2004. More recently, CSPI and allergen advocacy groups successfully pushed for sesame to be added to the FDA list of "major allergens," which are required to be listed on food packaging.

CSPI supports the Food Labeling Modernization Act, which would require allergen labeling in restaurant settings. We also work to bring uniform allergen labeling to the set of foods currently regulated by the US Department of Agriculture.

salad bar

Sulfites

1987

Following a five-year effort by CSPI, the FDA banned sulfite preservatives (potentially lethal allergens) in most fresh foods.

peanuts

Landmark legislation

2004

The Food Allergen Labeling And Consumer Protection Act of 2004, or FALCPA, was signed into law, improving labeling disclosures for the millions of consumers who suffer from food allergies. Three years earlier, CSPI signaled the urgency of this public health issue in a petition to FDA, many of whose provisions were ultimately included in FALCPA.

yogurt

Dye disclosure

2009

In response to a CSPI petition, the FDA required labeling for the allergens carmine and cochineal, which are dyes derived from crushed insects.

An image of a package of Quorn "chik'n cutlets"

Mystery mycoprotein

2017

CSPI successfully negotiated to require stronger warnings on Quorn, a meat substitute made from mold that can trigger life-threatening allergic reactions.

Tell the FDA: We Need Sesame Allergen Labeling Now!

Sesame labeling

2021

In April, Congress passed the the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, and Research (FASTER) Act. The Act will add sesame as the 9th “major” food allergen required to be labeled on foods in the United States, marking the first time the “major” allergen list has been updated since Congress created the list in 2004, nearly eight years after CSPI first petitioned for sesame to be labeled.

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