{"id":396729,"date":"2020-12-09T15:12:53","date_gmt":"2020-12-09T20:12:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/?p=396729"},"modified":"2020-12-09T15:12:53","modified_gmt":"2020-12-09T20:12:53","slug":"aafa-applauds-senate-version-of-faster-act-passage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/aafa-applauds-senate-version-of-faster-act-passage\/","title":{"rendered":"AAFA Applauds Senate Version of FASTER Act Passage"},"content":{"rendered":"

\nBill would add sesame as a major food allergen; expands public health focus on food allergies
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Washington D.C., Dec. 09, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today the Senate passed its version of the FASTER Act, S.3451. The FASTER acronym stands for Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, and Research Act. This vote moves sesame closer to being recognized as a top allergen by law. It will also grow public knowledge of food allergies and direct more resources for the 32 million Americans living with food allergies.<\/p>\n

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is a driving force behind making sure sesame gets added to the list of major allergens food manufacturers will have to include on labels. Over one million people in the U.S. have an allergy to sesame. It\u2019s also a major allergy for people across the globe and is already listed as a top allergen in some countries. Under AAFA\u2019s leadership, several advocacy groups have joined forces to encourage lawmakers and the Food and Drug Administration to act.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re glad to see the Senate take this step. Getting sesame disclosed on food ingredient labels is a front and center issue for AAFA. Sesame can be a hidden ingredient often listed as a \u2018spice,\u2019 \u2018natural flavoring,\u2019 or under different names like \u2018tahini\u2019 or \u2018benne\u2019. This puts people with a sesame allergy at greater risk for reactions which can be life-threatening,\u201d said Kenneth Mendez, CEO, and president of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. \u201cWe want sesame to be clearly listed on all food ingredient labels. The Senate just helped us get even closer to finally making this a reality.\u201d<\/p>\n

AAFA\u2019s community also continues to lead the call on making the FASTER Act law along with encouraging government action on listing sesame as a major allergen. AAFA thanks community members for sending comments to officials and responding to multiple campaigns requesting the government take more steps to protect people living with food allergies.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Senate FASTER Act bill is not the same as what passed in the House earlier this fall. Because of that, it will have to go back to the House for a vote before being sent to the White House to be officially signed into law. AAFA will continue to work with the House on this revision.<\/p>\n

AAFA encourages our community members to keep asking Congress to get the FASTER Act across the finish line. Advocacy efforts through AAFA\u2019s Kids With Food Allergies<\/a> division can be supported via secure donation here: Support Kids With Food Allergies<\/a><\/p>\n

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\n About AAFA<\/b>\n <\/p>\n

Founded in 1953, AAFA is the oldest and largest non-profit patient organization dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease for people with asthma, allergies and related conditions through research, education, advocacy and support. AAFA offers extensive support for individuals and families affected by asthma and allergic diseases, such as food allergies and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Through its online patient support communities, network of local chapters and affiliated support groups, AAFA empowers patients and their families by providing practical, evidence-based information and community programs and services. AAFA is the only asthma and allergy patient advocacy group that is certified to meet the standards of excellence set by the National Health Council. For more information, visit www.aafa.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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