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Why we need to work to get the Allergen labeling law passed…NOW!  

Currently, labeling for gluten content is meaningless because there is NO 
definition/standards for gluten-free.

Voluntary labeling is NOT enough...

H.R.3684/Food Allergen Labeling Bill would DEFINE "Gluten-free"

This would...
-- Give manufacturers guidelines for determining if products are 
'gluten-free.'
-- Require that wheat/gluten used indirectly, but not as an actual 
ingredient, be identified.  
-- Assess the risk of contamination in the manufacturing environment and 
standardize labeling of it.
-- Could provide penalties for labeling food as 'gluten-free' when it is not.
-- Eliminate vague terms that hide both unsafe AND safe ingredients.
-- Provide restaurant with more complete ingredient information, making 
dining out easier.
-- Benefit lots of people with food allergies, not just those with gluten 
intolerance. 
-- Increase celiac awareness and the need to fund research on the condition. 

Sections 3, 4 & 6 of the bill are most beneficial to celiacs & won't get done 
is labeling is voluntary.  (Find a copy of the bill at http://thomas.loc.gov/ 
 Type in either the bill # or "Allegen.")

The timing is RIGHT!  The food manufacturers will save $$ if they can add 
allergen labeling at the same time the new requirements for labeling fats go into 
effect--One redesign for two changes saves $$. (The recent additions of 
allergen labeling on many products is a good sign that manufacturers are not 
fighting the passage of the bill at this time, OR they are hoping that we will be 
happy with voluntary labeling....)  Later, when it will cost them more $$ for an 
additional label redo, they might not be as agreeable.   

As of today, there are 48 co-sponsors for the Bill. We don't have times for a 
debate of this Bill on the House floor...They have more important things to 
consider. It's up to us to makes our representatives aware of the bill & it's 
importance.  Without enough co-sponsors, it won't even need a vote.  Because 
the Bill is identical to the Senate's version, there willl be no changes or 
hassles later.  

 The USDA did a big fix of their labeling in the early 1990s and elimated 
terms that hid ingredients, including gluten.  There have been 3 attempts by 
celiacs and other to get better labeling from the FDA since early 1980s. With the 
Senate Bill passed, we are half way there.  Let's not lose our best chance.  

Time is Running out on this session...Probably about 9 real working weeks 
left...

Contact your representative and ask him/her to co-sponsor H.R.3684.

Find a list of cosponsors online at the ACFT 
site...http://capwiz.com/celiac/home/  

Bev Lieven
Milwaukee Celiac-Sprue Crew

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