A top U.S. commercial bakery is standing its ground against a warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to cease using labels that state its products contain sesame, even when they do not. The bakery in question, Bimbo Bakeries USA, known for brands like Sarah Lee, Entenmann’s, and Ball Park buns and rolls, seems to be disregarding an FDA warning issued in June. The FDA had stated that several of the bakery’s products are considered “misbranded” because their labels mention sesame or tree nuts, despite these ingredients not being present in the foods.
In response to the FDA’s warning, Bimbo officials have insisted that they will not alter their sesame labeling practices. The company stated that they implement “nationally uniform labels” to prevent individuals from unknowingly consuming foods that could trigger severe allergic reactions. Bimbo clarified that their aim is not to evade legal requirements concerning cross-contamination in their facilities. They defended their approach as the one providing the highest level of protection for consumers with sesame allergies.
The company’s stance was reinforced in a letter dated July 1, which was obtained by the advocacy group Center for Science in the Public Interest and shared with The Associated Press. Despite the FDA’s silence on the bakery’s response, it has the authority to take actions such as recalls, fines, or charges against companies failing to comply with warning letters. This standoff has been met with criticism from food safety advocates, as it can mislead the millions of Americans with food allergies, particularly the 1.6 million individuals allergic to sesame, leading to restricted food choices.
The ongoing conflict follows a federal law enacted in 2023, mandating that all foods manufactured and sold in the U.S. must be labeled if they contain sesame. Bimbo Bakeries, as one of the nation’s largest commercial baking companies, along with other food producers and restaurant chains, began incorporating small amounts of sesame into products that previously did not contain it, subsequently listing it as an ingredient. While the FDA confirms the legality of such actions, they acknowledge the violation of the law’s intent.
In its communication with the FDA, Bimbo explained that they have facilities where some products include sesame and others do not. The company argued that declaring sesame as an ingredient and utilizing identical packaging for all products represents the most protective approach for consumers. However, Bimbo did acknowledge modifying labels for specific breads initially labeled with tree nuts, altering them to mention hazelnut as the sole nut ingredient.
Despite the company’s refusal to comply with the FDA’s warning, the consequences remain unclear. Food safety advocates, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest, are uncertain about the FDA’s potential course of action in response to Bimbo’s defiance. The ongoing dispute underscores the importance of accurate food labeling for individuals with allergies and the necessity for transparent information to make informed food choices.