The 9th allergen & the 2022 Food Code — what's current for the exam
The biggest recent change food managers must know: sesame became the 9th major food allergen in the United States under the FASTER Act of 2021, effective January 1, 2023. The exam now expects nine major allergens, not eight. The other reference point is the edition of the model code itself — the FDA Food Code 2022 is the current edition that state and local health departments adopt and enforce.
Sesame is the 9th major food allergen
Under the FASTER Act of 2021, sesame was declared a major food allergen effective January 1, 2023. For a food manager that means treating sesame like any other major allergen: identifying it on the menu, preventing allergen cross-contact, and communicating it accurately to guests. The exam expects you to know there are now nine major allergens.
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fish
- Crustacean shellfish
- Tree nuts
- Peanuts
- Wheat
- Soybeans
- Sesame (added 2023)
The current model code is the FDA Food Code 2022
The FDA Food Code is a model — the FDA publishes it, and each state and local health department chooses which edition to adopt and whether to amend it. The current edition is the FDA Food Code 2022. Because adoption varies by jurisdiction, always confirm the exact rule with your local regulatory authority.
The core time-and-temperature rules did not change: the 41°F–135°F danger zone, poultry at 165°F for <1 second, ground meat at 155°F for 17 seconds, whole cuts at 145°F for 15 seconds, the two-stage cooling rule, and the 7-day date-marking limit all remain as stated in the Food Code.
Study the current rules
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Frequently asked questions
How many major food allergens are there now?+
Nine. Sesame joined the original eight (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans) as the 9th major food allergen under the FASTER Act, effective January 1, 2023.
When did sesame become a major allergen?+
January 1, 2023, under the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act of 2021. From that date sesame is regulated as a major food allergen for labeling purposes.
Which FDA Food Code does the ServSafe Manager exam follow?+
The current model code is the FDA Food Code 2022. State and local health departments adopt and may amend it, so always confirm the exact rule with your local regulatory authority.
Did the cooking temperatures change?+
No. The core time-and-temperature rules — poultry 165°F for <1 second, ground meat 155°F for 17 seconds, whole cuts 145°F for 15 seconds, and the 41°F–135°F danger zone — remain as stated in the FDA Food Code. The notable recent change is the addition of sesame as the 9th allergen.
Verified against:
FDA — Food Allergies (major allergens, incl. sesame) →FDA — food allergen labeling (FALCPA / FASTER Act) →FDA Food Code 2022 →Educational summary, not legal advice. Adoption of the Food Code varies by jurisdiction — confirm with your local health department. Last updated: August 2026.