Despite its popularity, scientists say research and public awareness on sesame allergy are very limited.
According to the study, among Australian children, sesame allergy ranks fourth in allergy prevalence, after egg, milk and peanut. In Israeli children, sesame was the third most common food allergy.
The Food and Drug Administration's listing of allergenic foods for labeling purposes in the United States does not include sesame, however it has been added to the list of major food allergens for use in food labeling in Europe and Canada.
The study's findings are published in this month's issue of the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
