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This afternoon, the Senate HELP Committee took a major step toward
improving the nation's food labeling laws.

The Committee, led by Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Senator Edward
Kennedy (D-MA), unanimously passed legislation requiring the top 8
allergens -- peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, soybeans, shellfish, fish,
and wheat -- to be listed on food labels by their common or usual name,
or by source of the ingredient.

The measure also requires the Secretary of HHS to develop rules for the
use of the term 'gluten-free' on food labels.

The "Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2003" is now
Title II of  S. 741.

Today's action by the HELP Committee demonstrates that our unified
efforts are making a difference.  The SINGLE voice of the celiac
community was heard, and taken seriously.

All of us deserve credit for getting this far.  Next up, the Senate
Floor.

Thanks for your help,


Andrea Levario and Allison Herwitt
Co-Chairs, Legislative Project
American Celiac Task Force
www.celiaccenter.org/taskforce.asp
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