Speciality Breads is to make both of its bakeries sesame-free from 1 January next year.

The process to remove sesame seeds has already started, the company said, and the exclusion of the allergen will be confirmed and certified by the first day of baking in the new year. Golden linseed will be used an alternative.

It follows the removal of nuts from its facilities and product portfolio last year.

“Last year we withdrew nuts from our business and, for next year, following consultations with customers, we have made the decision to remove sesame seeds as well. Caterers need to have complete trust with their suppliers and we are pleased to give absolute assurance that our breads, frozen doughs and sweet bakes are completely free from nuts and sesame,” said Simon Cannell, managing director at Speciality Breads.

There has been an increased focus on allergen management in bakery and ingredients firms recently following the death of teenager Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, who suffered a fatal allergic reaction to sesame in a sandwich from Pret A Manger. Since then, the food-to-go and coffee specialist has rolled out a number of measures, including removing one or more allergens from 70 products and putting full ingredient labels on all freshly made products.

The government is also set to introduce ‘Natasha’s Law’ that will make full ingredients labelling on all pre-packaged foods mandatory – a move that has been criticised by hospitality trade groups.

British Baker subscribers can find out more about allergen management by reading: ‘A key challenge in allergen management is ensuring staff are correctly trained’.