What should you know about sesame allergy foods to avoid?

Sesame may be visible as seeds or paste, or hidden in tahini, hummus, halva, bakery products, crackers, sauces, dressings and some spice blends. Names on labels can vary, so check every ingredient list rather than relying on a familiar brand or food.

A food allergy can affect the skin, mouth, gut or breathing. Itchy throat, swelling, hives, vomiting, wheezing or dizziness after eating may signal a reaction. The amount that triggers symptoms can be difficult to predict, and a previous mild reaction does not guarantee that a future reaction will stay mild.

Read labels each time, ask restaurants about sesame and shared preparation surfaces, and tell schools, carers and travel companions about the allergy. Keep safe alternatives available and avoid food with unclear ingredients. A clinician can arrange allergy testing and help confirm which foods need to be excluded.

If an emergency medicine has been prescribed, keep it accessible and check how and when to use it. Do not depend on removing sesame from your own serving if cross-contact is possible during preparation.

Use prescribed emergency treatment and call emergency services immediately for trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, widespread symptoms, repeated vomiting or rapidly worsening symptoms after possible sesame exposure. These can be signs of anaphylaxis.

Do not wait to see whether severe symptoms settle. Lie down if faint unless breathing is difficult, follow the emergency plan and seek medical observation after treatment because symptoms can return.

Which ingredients and products should I avoid? Do I need allergy testing or an emergency medicine? Can you show my family, school or workplace how to recognise and respond to a serious reaction?