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PhrasesDietary RestrictionsSono allergico/allergica al sesamo.
B1

Sono allergico/allergica al sesamo.

I am allergic to sesame.

Pronunciation

SEH-zah-mo — three syllables, stress on first. Short Italian vowels throughout.

When to use it

Use when ordering bread, street food, or Sicilian cuisine, where sesame seeds frequently appear. Sesame is one of the 14 declared EU allergens.

What it means

'Al sesamo' uses 'a + il' = 'al'. Sesame allergy is increasingly recognized in Italian cuisine, especially as Middle Eastern-influenced dishes spread. Sicilian baked goods often have sesame seeds on the crust.

Variations

Il pane ha semi di sesamo?

Does the bread have sesame seeds?

Checking specifically for sesame seeds on bread.

Senza semi di sesamo.

Without sesame seeds.

Direct exclusion request.

Questo contiene sesamo nascosto?

Does this contain hidden sesame?

Asking about sesame in sauces or coatings.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Sono allergica al sesamo. Il pane ha semi di sesamo? Cameriere: Sì, il nostro pane di casa ha semi di sesamo in cima. Cliente: Posso avere del pane normale senza semi? Cameriere: Certo, le porto del pane senza semi.

Client: I'm allergic to sesame. Does the bread have sesame seeds? Waiter: Yes, our house bread has sesame seeds on top. Client: Can I have plain bread without seeds? Waiter: Of course, I'll bring you bread without seeds.

Cultural Note

In Sicily, sesame seeds (called 'giuggiulena' in Sicilian dialect) are a beloved ingredient in traditional breads and pastries, reflecting the island's Arab culinary heritage. Always check Sicilian baked goods.