<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

One of the major dilemmas for the celiac community is how to deal with
advisory labels on foods.   Many choose to completely avoid products which
display statements such as ‘produced in the same plant with wheat products,’
or ‘may contain wheat.’   Others may take a different approach based on
personal experience.  Regardless of the approach, these statements are a
concern.   We now have the opportunity to tell the FDA what we really think
about such labeling. 

 

The FDA has announced that it will hold a public meeting on September 16,
2008, to gather additional information about the use of advisory labeling of
allergens in food.  That information will be used to help the  agency in
determining:  1)  how manufacturers currently use advisory labeling; 2) how
consumers interpret different advisory labeling statements; and  what
wording is most effective in communicating to consumers the likelihood that
an allergen may be present in a food.   The FDA is also interested in
learning if consumers find advisory labels useful when deciding which foods
to purchase. 
 
According to the Federal Register (FR) notice, the FDA  is developing a
long-term strategy to assist manufacturers in using allergen advisory
labeling that is truthful and not misleading, conveys a clear and uniform
message, and adequately informs allergic consumers and their caregivers.
Interestingly,  the notice specifically focuses on the impact of advisory
labels for those with food allergies.  It makes NO MENTION of the impact
advisory labels may have on individuals who must adhere to a strict
gluten-free diet, i.e., those with celiac disease. 
 

The official FR notice for the meeting can be accessed at:
www.cfsan.fda.gov/~lrd/fr080808.html .  

 

Comments on the questions outlined in the FR notice may be submitted in
writing to:  Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305), Food and Drug
Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852; or
electronically through  www.regulations.gov.   The Docket number is
FDA-2008-N-0429.  The deadline for the comments is January 14, 2009. 

 

Additional information will be available on the ACDA website later today. 

 

 

Beth Hillson

President

American Celiac Disease Alliance 


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