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

The American Celiac Disease Alliance is leading the effort to finalize gluten-free labeling standards. 

 We are averaging about 1,000 signatures a day and need to keep the momentum up to reach 25,000 by November 1st, to ensure a White House response.


 GO TO THE WHITE HOUSE “WE THE PEOPLE” WEBSITE TO SIGN:  http://wh.gov/Be7R 


 Then FORWARD the link to family and friends. You may want to remind them that they don't have to eat gluten-free to help a loved one who does. Signing the White House petition to finalize gluten-free labeling will help someone they care about lead a healthier life.


 BACKGROUND:


 Last year, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials made a commitment to the celiac community that the gluten-free labeling rule would be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2012 (September 30).


 That date has come and gone. The FDA has already heard from us. It’s time for higher officials to know the celiac community needs gluten-free labeling standards, NOW!


The White House has provided us the opportunity to express our concerns through an open petition.  Make sure your voice is heard.

 WHAT DOES THE PETITION SAY?


 
“We petition the Obama administration to: Finalize Standards for GLUTEN-FREE Labeling


 The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act required Health and Human Services to set a gluten-free labeling rule by 2008 to aid people with celiac disease, a life-threatening autoimmune condition. The only known treatment is a strict gluten-free diet.


An estimated 3 million Americans have celiac and even more may have non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Without adequate labeling, those on a medically  prescribed gluten-free diet struggle to make safe food choices and stay well.

 Children with celiac cannot participate in the National School Lunch Program when food service staff cannot determine if products are gluten-free.


 Congress did its part by passing the law. It is up to the White House to protect the health of millions of adults and children by finalizing the rule NOW.”


 WHY IS IT NEEDED?



In 2004, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act required the Department of Health and Human Services to set standards for gluten-free labeling by 2008. The rule is now over four years late. The FDA is working hard to get the rules done, but the White House also must know that the health of millions of Americans is at risk because they don’t have access to basic information about product ingredients.

 WILL THE PETITION MAKE A DIFFERENCE?



According to the White House, if enough people sign the petition, it will be reviewed and administration officials will respond to the signers of the petition. In other words, we’ll have their attention.

 WHO CAN SIGN IT?



Anyone age 13 and over can sign the petition. In order to sign, users must create an account at WhiteHouse.gov and verify their email address. It’s quick and easy.

 HOW MANY SIGNATURES ARE NEEDED?


We need at least 25,000 signatures by November 1st.  So don’t dawdle! Get your family, friends, neighbors, teachers, anyone you can, to a computer to sign the petition.

Please forward, post, tweet, and use all distribution channels to get the word out. We need as many signatures as possible, and quick!

 MEDIA CONTACT:


Andrea Levario

Executive Director

American Celiac Disease Alliance

www.americanceliac.org

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Posted by: Jennifer Iscol http://www.celiaccommunity.org


* Please remember some posters may be WHEAT-FREE, but not GLUTEN-FREE *
Archives are at: Http://Listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?LIST=CELIAC