Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research Act of 2021 (FASTER Act of 2021)
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Summary
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to declare sesame as a major food allergen and addresses disorders including potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis, food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES), and eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases.
Full Description
The FASTER Act added sesame to the list of major food allergens requiring labeling under FALCPA, making it the 9th major food allergen. The law was effective January 1, 2023. The FASTER Act also required the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue a report on scientific opportunities to expand research on food allergies, including identifying new prevention, treatment, and cures. The legislation was driven by years of advocacy from the food allergy community, particularly families affected by sesame allergy.
Key Provisions
1. Adds sesame as the 9th major food allergen. 2. Requires sesame labeling on all packaged foods. 3. Mandates HHS report on food allergy research. 4. Effective January 1, 2023.
Who This Bill Serves & Who's Backing It
Core Patient Populations
People with food allergies — including children, students, and their families.
Advocacy Groups Backing This Legislation
No advocacy organizations are currently tracked as backing this bill.Browse advocacy organizations →
Legislative Timeline
Votes & Legislative History
Grade nine and grade 10 health education Standards of Learning; severe allergic reaction awareness training
Requires the Board of Education to include severe allergic reaction awareness training in the health education Standards of Learning for grades nine and 10.
Youth Facility Health Records Rule
Health record maintenance for youth facilities
Requires youth facilities to maintain health records for youth, including allergy information and current medications, and ensures that all medical equipment (like inhalers and epinephrine) is transferred securely with the youth.
Allergy awareness and training in restaurants
Requires food service establishments to implement allergy awareness training for staff regarding major food allergens.
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