How do Gluten Free Labels and the FDA’s Gluten Free Labeling Rules work together?
How do Gluten Free Labels and the FDA’s Gluten Free Labeling Rules work together?
FDA’s “Gluten-Free” Labeling Rules mean that foods that are labelled gluten-free must comply with FDA standards of less than 20 ppm. See how Gluten Free Labels make labeling easy for restaurants, institutional kitchens, stores and home kitchens.
How do Gluten Free Labels and the FDA’s Gluten Free Labeling Rules work together?
In August 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued new rules on the use of the term “gluten-free” for food labeling. This new definition ensures that “gluten-free” claims on food products are consistent and reliable across the food industry, giving consumers a standardized tool for managing their health and dietary intake. Also covered by the rules are labels reading “free of gluten”, “no gluten” and “without gluten”.
Whether a food is manufactured to be gluten free or by nature is gluten free, it may bear a gluten-free labeling claim if it meets all FDA requirements for a gluten-free food. The “gluten free” claim is not required to be placed on food packages, and thus may not appear even if the food is, in fact, gluten-free.
How the FDA defines “Gluten-Free”
The FDA has set a gluten limit of less than 20 parts per million (ppm) for foods that carry the label “gluten-free,” “no gluten,” “free of gluten,” or “without gluten.” This level is the lowest that can be reliably detected in foods using scientifically validated analytical methods. Other countries and international bodies use this same criteria, as most people with celiac disease can tolerate foods with very small amounts of gluten.
What About Restaurants?
How do Gluten Free Labels and the FDA’s Gluten Free Labeling Rules work together?
The FDA recognizes that compliance with the gluten-free rule in processed foods and food served in restaurants is important for the health of people with celiac disease. The FDA set a deadline of August 2014 for restaurant and institutional compliance with the “gluten-free” labeling rule. If served food is labeled “gluten-free” it must be less than 20 ppm, according to FDA regulations.
But to be truly safe and gluten-free, gluten-free labeling shouldn’t be limited to prepared dishes. All prep tools, surfaces, storage containers, pots, pans, and appliances should be reserved exclusively for gluten-free use and be labeled as such.
That’s where Gluten Free Labels comes in.
Gluten Free Labels are ready-made labels that can be placed on food packages, boxes, cans, dishes, containers, prep tools, cutting boards, appliances, pots and pans, prepared meals and snacks—anywhere you want to indicate a gluten-free zone.
There are Gluten Free Labels stickers…
… Gluten Free Labels toothpicks…
…even Gluten Free Labels tags that are dishwasher safe, oven-safe and easily attached to cookware, appliances, cutting boards and utensils.
Bring Gluten Free Labels home and create your own gluten-free zone!
Gluten-Free labeling doesn’t just apply to prepared foods…and it shouldn’t be limited to restaurant and grocery store use. For people living a gluten-free lifestyle, it is imperative that the food prep areas and tools in your home remain as gluten-free as possible.
Here’s how Gluten Free Labels can help:
>If your gluten-free cutting board keeps getting contaminated—label it with water-proof Gluten Free Labels
>If you have a dedicated gluten-free pasta strainer—tie on heat-proof Gluten Free Labels tag
>If you want to help others identify gluten-free offerings on your shelves—label them with Gluten Free Labels toothpicks or stickers.
>If you’re sick and tired of your gluten-free tupperware being used for gluten foods—label them with stick-on Gluten Free Labels
>If your have a dedicated gluten-free toaster or other appliance—tag it with heat-proof Gluten Free Labels tag
>If you want to indicate gluten-free offerings at parties, picnics and potlucks—flag it with a Gluten Free Labels toothpick flag
Gluten Free Labels are simply the easiest, safest way to keep your home, store, restaurant or institutional kitchen in compliance with gluten-free labeling rules. Learn more.
Source: FDA.com
