Strict on sesame

As the FDA tightens its rules on labeling food with sesame seeds, food manufacturers increase its use

By Caitlin Dowd ’25

Effective Jan. 1, 2023 the federal government is enforcing a law that requires factories to label foods containing the seed as well as products made in a location where sesame is used.

Sesame is now the ninth major allergy in the U.S., with 1.6 million people being allergic. Sesame hides in places one would not expect and causes sometimes deadly reactions if untreated. Sesame is found in some protein bars, ice creams and salad dressings.

Shayla Krogan ’25, a Lincoln High School student, recently tested allergic to sesame. She said, “It has been really hard finding food safe to eat. The labeling I have seen more recently has made grocery shopping much quicker.”

However, with the strict laws surrounding all the ingredients needing to be labeled, manufacturers now are finding it significantly cheaper to add sesame to food already made in factories with sesame. This alternative is found to be much cheaper than keeping the sesamefree food safely away from sesame seeds during manufacturing and packaging.

As a result, there are fewer foods available than before for those with sesame allergies. Chain restaurants like Olive Garden and Chick-Fil-A are now adding sesame to foods they hadn’t in the past.

While legal, most do not approve of the ethics behind this. Kim Krogan, Shayla’s mom said, “We thought it would not be a huge change with Shayla being allergic to sesame, but recently more and more things have sesame added to them it has become really hard to find food to eat on the go.”

This law was put into place to help keep those affected by the allergy safe, but has now backfired because of economics.

Science teacher Colleen O’Rourke shared how this could

Insulin app aids diabetics

By Joeliyn Rizzo ’25

Insulin apps, which can be found on smartphones, are helpful tools that diabetics can use to stay healthy.

Some of the apps allow users to download their medical history and information to have the correct treatment and regimen for their type of diabetes. The application can also help track one’s blood sugar, glucose levels, and remind them when to take their insulin shot.

In 2022, the first diabetes app that was capable of giving an insulin shot was approved by the FDA. Diabetics now have direct access to an insulin shot from their smartphone.

Teacher Carol Pineda stated, “I think these apps will have significant benefits for individuals with diabetes. The most difficult decision may be to pick the most effective app given your needs and what type of diabetes you have: Type 1, Type 2 or gestational.”

Though it may be a difficult decision, the different insulin applications will allow the users to find the perfect fit for them, depending on their type of diabetes, and will give the user an effective way to tend to their needs.

Aliana Urdaneta-Rodas ’25 agreed with Pineda’s statement, saying, “This app could make a person more aware of how to treat their bodies and motivate them to take care of their health.”

By having this application, diabetics can stay on track with their health by setting reminders and goals for themselves. This accessible resource will have a healthy impact on their lives and create a feeling of relief knowing that they have an app storing all of their information.

Biology teacher Jack Reardon added, “I think this app will be a very useful tool for diabetics. The more easily diabetics can check their blood sugar, the more peace of mind they can have in their daily life.” have economic benefits.

“Many people I know who are she said. “If the items are clearly labeled, sesame-sensitive