Finally, the FDA has set how gluten-free foods should be labeled. In the works since 2007, this final regulation takes into account both public and industry feedback. The final rule, issued August 2013, identifies:
- Acceptable gluten levels
- Manufacturer compliance requirements
- FDA enforcement criteria
Highlights of FDA’s Gluten-Free Rule:
- “Gluten-free” labeling is purely voluntary.
- The cut-off for foods labeled “gluten-free” is 20 ppm gluten or less.
- The allowable gluten level mirrors that of most other countries.
- No specific gluten assay is defined in the regulations.
- Grains covered include: wheat, barley, rye and grain hybrids (e.g., triticale).
- Oats are not covered in the regulation and products containing oats could potentially be labeled “gluten-free”.
- Foods that inherently do not contain gluten (e.g., raw apples, orange juice) may be labeled “gluten-free”.
- Permitted terms include: “gluten-free”, “no gluten”, “free of gluten” and “without gluten”.
- There is no uniform FDA symbol or logo to identify “gluten-free” food items. Food manufacturers can use text or potentially their own symbol (along with the approved text).
- Foods labeled “gluten-free” that fail to meet the requirements will be deemed misbranded and subject to regulatory enforcement.
- The rule went into effect the day it was issued and compliance is required by August 5, 2014.
What is NOT Covered by the Rule (Celiacs beware):
- Meat, poultry or egg products which fall under the USDA. This includes processed meat products, such as sausage and deli meats, which may contain gluten.
- Alcohol beverages which fall under the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). This includes malted beverages made from barley malt and hops.
- Drugs. This includes drugs containing gluten fillers.
- Note: Hydrolyzed or fermented foods, such as beer, soy sauce and sourdough bread – FDA plans to issue a proposed rule to address compliance of these foods.
Ensure that your food products comply with the “gluten-free” labeling rule by contacting Nett Nutrition today.