Bakery Giant Defies FDA Warning on Sesame Labeling for Products
A top U.S. commercial bakery, Bimbo Bakeries USA, is resisting a warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to stop labeling its products as containing sesame, a potential allergen, when they do not.
Background on the Issue
In June, the FDA sent a warning to several of Bimbo’s brands, including Sarah Lee, Entenmann’s, and Ball Park buns and rolls, stating that their labels were "misbranded" because they listed sesame or tree nuts even though those ingredients were not present in the products.
Bimbo’s Response
In a letter to the FDA, Bimbo officials stated that they would not change their labeling policy, which they claimed was the most protective approach for consumers. The company argued that creating "nationally uniform labels" would prevent individuals from unwittingly consuming products that could trigger severe allergic reactions.
FDA Stance
The FDA has not publicly commented on Bimbo’s response, although the agency has the authority to take action, including recalls, civil fines, and criminal charges, against companies that fail to comply with warning letters.
Advocacy Group’s Perspective
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) and other food safety advocates have criticized Bimbo’s stance, stating that it perpetuates a practice that misleads individuals with food allergies and limits their choices.
Quotes from Advocates
"We depend on accurate food labeling to feel safe," said Sung Poblete, CEO of FARE, Food Allergy Research & Education. "We depend on accurate labeling to make the food choices that we make."
"It’s so unusual to see a big company, like Bimbo, calling the FDA’s bluff," said Sarah Sorscher, CSPI’s director of regulatory affairs.
Background on the 2023 Federal Law
The 2023 federal law requires all foods made and sold in the U.S. to be labeled if they contain sesame.
Bimbo’s Alternative Approach
Bimbo has used a different approach, adding small amounts of sesame to foods that did not previously contain it, and then listing it as an ingredient.
Conclusion
The standoff between Bimbo and the FDA highlights the challenges in ensuring accurate and safe food labeling for individuals with food allergies. While Bimbo claims its approach is the most protective, food safety advocates argue that it perpetuates a practice that misleads consumers.
FAQs
Q: What is the issue with Bimbo’s labeling practices?
A: Bimbo is labeling some products as containing sesame, a potential allergen, even though they do not actually contain it.
Q: What is the FDA’s stance on Bimbo’s labeling practices?
A: The FDA has warned Bimbo to stop labeling its products as containing sesame when they do not, but Bimbo has refused to comply.
Q: What is the significance of the 2023 federal law on food labeling?
A: The law requires all foods made and sold in the U.S. to be labeled if they contain sesame.
Q: What is the impact of Bimbo’s labeling practices on individuals with food allergies?
A: Bimbo’s labeling practices can limit the choices available to individuals with food allergies, potentially leading to accidental exposure to allergens.
