Monday, October 29, 2012

Food Allergen Labeling

In 2004, the historic Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) was passed, making life significantly easier for individuals with food allergies to manage their potentially life-threatening health condition. The celiac disease community worked for those requirements understanding that the benefits would flow to them as well.

Today, only one provision of FALCPA remains to be implemented -- setting a standard for gluten-free food labeling rules. To help educate decision-makers about the need for this standard, the celiac disease
community is taking advantage of a new forum to make sure its voice is heard loud and clear.

A 'We the People' petition was launched earlier this month, urging government officials to complete the gluten-free food labeling rules. Located on the White House website, it has already garnered 16,000 signatures, and officials will be required to respond if 25,000 signatures are gathered by Thursday, November 1st

We are reaching out to all stakeholders who serve the needs of those with gluten-related disorders, including patients and their families, healthcare providers and gluten-free businesses, to join us in this important effort. By adding your name, you will help to reinforce the strength of our unified voice. We aim for officials to understand that gluten-free labeling rules matter in the lives of thousands of Americans. You can help to support the government in its ruling process by signing the petition today.

With the storm on the East coast this week, our thoughts and prayers are with our community members who are in emergency conditions. The rest of the national community will redouble efforts to shoulder the petition effort in support, and seek ways to help after the storm.

We hope that you will take a few minutes to read and sign the petition your name, we invite you to share the message with others who are committed to ensuring that individuals with celiac disease have safe gluten-free food options. Additional background can be
found here

Thank you in advance for supporting the needs of the gluten-free community and helping its members achieve optimal health.

Best,

American Celiac Disease Alliance
Celiac Disease Foundation
Gluten Intolerance Group
National Foundation for Celiac Awareness

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