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Sesame allergy
Sesame allergy is increasing in the UK, which might be because sesame is being used more.
Sesame seeds, sesame oil and other sesame products, such as tahini and houmous, are used in cooking, for example in Turkish or oriental dishes, and in food products such as bread, biscuits, salads and sauces. Sesame allergy can cause severe reactions including anaphylaxis. People with sesame allergy might also react to poppy seeds, kiwi fruit, hazelnuts and rye.
People who are allergic to sesame should avoid sesame oil. This is because it's made by cold-pressing sesame seeds and isn't refined, so it can contain small amounts of proteins, which can cause a reaction in people who are sensitive.
Since November 2005, food labelling rules require pre-packed food sold in the UK, and the rest of the European Union, to show clearly on the label if it contains sesame seeds (or if one of its ingredients contains them). Bear in mind that there could still be foods on the shelves that were produced before this date.
