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PROGRAMS OF THE NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR CELIAC AWARENESS



The GREAT Association is a national gluten-free trade association. The GREAT
Association enhances and improves the gluten‐free business climate, by
promoting quality, tested gluten‐free products to the general public,
protecting the needs of gluten‐free customers, and assisting businesses to
improve their sales and profits. The GREAT Association standardizes, brands,
and equips the entire spectrum of the food industry including:
manufacturers, vendors, retailers, and both individual and multi‐unit food
service establishments.



GREAT Product Registration uses the a  gluten-free symbol which
incorporates the universal gluten-free symbol so that children, non-literate
individuals, and non-English speakers can also quickly and safely identify
gluten-free foods.



GREAT Association Benefits

Use of NFCA and GREAT Foodservice logos

B2B - Business to Business networking.

Access to NFCA and GREAT consultants.

Website presence on www.CeliacCentral.org.

Listing in exclusive gluten-free B2B resource, the Gluten-free Yellow Pages.

Premier invitations to NFCA events.

Exclusive referrals to NFCA press requests.

Discounts on sponsorship packages.

Access to online educational tools and continuing education credits.

COMING SOON:  Collective advertising, monthly newsletter, and annual
business convention.



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS



What are the requirements for GREAT Registration?

Submission of application and payment

List of ingredients and copy of label

Letter of verification from each supplier

HACCP or Gluten (Allergen) Control Plan

Third Party Test Results

Health or USDA certificate

Copy of liability insurance



What makes GREAT Registration Exceptional?

GREAT registers products throughout the threshold of safety.  Registration
begins at a notation of <20 ppm bridging the gap between existing programs
and the proposed FDA Guidelines, yet includes notations of <10 ppm and down
to <5 ppm.  This strategy empowers all consumers to make their own decision
and enables a greater number of companies to join the gluten-free
marketplace, confidently.



How much does it cost?

Annual membership dues for manufacturers are based on annual sales.  Product
registration is $100 per product.  New businesses are offered a discount.



How do we do the required test for gluten?

For initial and ongoing registration, a qualified outside laboratory must
evaluate your product sample and provide a comprehensive report which
clearly shows what is tested (proteins), what is found (quantitative), and
what method and test is used (Elisa/Skerritt and manufacturer). A third
party report is required, however testing as a procedure must be ongoing.
Raw material testing, batch testing, and machine swabbing at intervals that
measure different area of the product or different times in production will
assure quality.  We can help find tests and a lab or you can use one in your
area.



Does a facility need to be dedicated?

No.  A company that follows good manufacturing practices can maintain the
gluten-free status of its ingredients.  These practices must include
thorough cleaning of the lines, ongoing onsite and laboratory testing, and a
detailed gluten handling plan (HACCP) in place.



Our ingredients are trade secrets, what if we do not want to reveal them or
our suppliers?

Both Codex and proposed FDA recommendations are clear, no gluten containing
grains can be used in any way in ingredients or production.  Due diligence
requires that this is investigated.  We will sign a NDA to protect and
assure you.



What if my product does not test below 20 ppm or I have an ingredient that
has gluten in it?

As a member of the GREAT Association, you become part of a network of
businesses and individuals who can help you.  The Association can refer you
to a member who is a food technologist, dietitian, or chef.  Others produce
gluten-free products which can replace gluten-containing ones.  Further, we
have experts who can assist with onsite visits.  This is a wonderful benefit
of membership.



What if we do not want to change our current packaging?

That is an internal business decision, of course.  Certainly, you can go
through the process of Registration and place the GREAT gluten-free logo
only on your website or promotional materials.  However, the Return on
Investment increases dramatically when you communicate to the end user that
your product is safe. No magazine or web ad will match this.  And we have
found that certain disclaimers often do just the opposite.



FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Nancy Baker

NFCA, Director of Education

[log in to unmask]

215.325.1306 x 105



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