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:

  1. Acceptable gluten levels
  2. Manufacturer compliance requirements
  3. 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.