FASTER Act of 2026

This legislation, titled the FASTER Act of 2026, significantly amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by expanding the definition of "major food allergen." It reclassifies "wheat" as "gluten-containing grain," thereby adding barley, rye, and oats to the list of substances requiring allergen labeling. This change ensures that consumers are informed about the presence of these grains in food products, similar to existing requirements for other major allergens.

The bill mandates that the Food and Drug Administration revise its Manual of Compliance Policy Guides within one year to reflect these new allergen classifications. The amendments will apply to all food introduced into interstate commerce one year after the bill's enactment. Furthermore, the Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to submit a comprehensive report on Celiac disease, covering its prevalence, data gaps, diagnostic development, prevention methods, risk reduction strategies, and new therapeutic advancements.