Release: Friday Aug 2, 2013. Auburn WA
Today marks the finalization
of the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Gluten-Free Labeling
Regulation, which will assure consumers that all products labeled
gluten-free in The United States must follow standardized governmental
guidelines.
Nearly 10 years ago, the
Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) required the
labeling of the top eight allergens in food. A second and separate part
of FALCPA required the FDA to define regulations for labeling products
as gluten-free. After exhaustive investigation, two public comment
periods, and extensive meetings with the Gluten Intolerance Group as
well as other interest groups, this ruling provides standards
for labeling products designed to protect the health of persons with
gluten-related disorders who require a medically prescribed gluten-free
diet for their health.
The ruling sets the safety threshold for labeling products gluten-free at 20 ppm or less,
and defines the use of ingredients and labeling terms. Manufacturers
are being encouraged to comply with the regulation as soon as possible.
The FDA standard is consistent with the Codex Alimentarius labeling
guidelines set by the World Health Organization. The United States now joins the ranks of several major countries around the world that have adopted similar standards, including the European Union and Canada. Since 2011, The United States' gluten-free food industry has doubled annually in size and is projected to reach $8.5 billion
by 2015, according to the Nutrition Business Journal. The Gluten-Free
Labeling Regulation allows for numerous new products to be safely
available to consumers in this
ever-expanding marketplace.
"This ruling provides assurance to consumers
that products labeled gluten-free are truly safe for persons requiring a
gluten-free diet," states Cynthia Kupper, RD, Executive Director of the
Gluten Intolerance Group of North America.
The Gluten Intolerance
Group of North America applauds the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA)
completion of the Gluten-Free Labeling Regulation and is encouraged to
see this triumph in standardization for the gluten-free community.
About the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America (GIG)
GIG has been serving the needs of the gluten-free consumer for 39 years
through its social and food industry programs, which provide education
and support for living healthy gluten-free lifestyles. These programs
include the Gluten-Free Certification Organization, Gluten-Free Food Service Certification, as well as the international Chef to Plate Gluten-Free Awareness Program,
which is conducted with restaurants in several countries. GIG also
offers many educational programs and materials, support groups, and
summer camps. To learn more about the Gluten Intolerance Group visit www.Gluten.net.
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