<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>
The Gluten Intolerance Group (R) is pleased to announce our gluten-free food
certification program, the Gluten Free Certification Organization (GFCO), the
first program of its kind in the world! This new independent food processing
inspection program will verify that food products meet the highest standards
for gluten-free ingredients and a safe processing environment. Food products
meeting these high standards will receive our GF certification mark, allowing
gluten-free consumers to easily identify foods that are free of gluten and
possible cross-contamination from gluten.
Key elements of the GFCO process include:
* Ingredients review, down to the original supplier
* Onsite inspections by experienced, trained independent (third party) Field
Inspection Agents
* Product and ingredient testing using scientifically AOAC approved testing
methods
* GFCO certification mark located on product packages for easy identification
Gluten-free you can easily see
Products labeled with the GF certification mark allow consumers to easily
identify products that have been independently verified to meet the highest
standards for gluten-free ingredients and safe processing environment.
First major food companies to adopt GFCO supervision and labeling
Enjoy Life Foods and PureFit Nutrition Bar are the first food manufacturers
to join the GFCO supervision program. These pioneering companies will display
the GF certification mark on their food products in the near future.
GFCO maintains a system of independent verification through plant visits to
assure that there have been no changes that might compromise its gluten-free
status. GFCO certification uses the highest standards for gluten-free
ingredients and safe processing environment, and cannot be altered or compromised. The
GFCO certification standards exceed the requirements of current government laws
and regulations. The voluntary participation of companies in this program
will ensure public confidence in the gluten-free status of their products.
The GFCO was developed in cooperation with the Food Services, Inc., a
subsidiary of the Orthodox Union (the OU), the world's largest and oldest kosher
certification agency. The OU has nearly 500 field representatives, proficient in
modern food production techniques and chemical and biological processes, they
will conduct plant inspections and product reviews for the GFCO. Like the Good
Housekeeping Seal of Approval, the logo, one of the world's best-known
trademarks, instills confidence in the purchaser that the product has passed
inspection and meets high quality standards. For more information visit:
http://www.oukosher.org.
The mission of The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) is to
provide an independent service to supervise gluten-free food production according to
a consistent, defined, science-based standard, that is confirmed by field
inspections, in order to achieve heightened consumer confidence and safety. GFCO
is governed by an independent volunteer board that includes physicians, food
scientists and consumers. For more information visit: http://www.gfco.org, or
call 206-246-6652.
The mission of The Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) is to increase awareness by
providing accurate, up-to-date information, education and support for those
with gluten intolerance, celiac disease/dermatitis herpetiformis, their
families, health care professionals and the general public. GIG volunteers, staff,
and Board are knowledgeable, and our materials and resources are credible. The
GIG Medical Advisory Board approves all education materials. For more
information visit: http://www.gluten.net.
Cynthia Kupper, RD, CD
Executive Director
Gluten Intolerance Group of NA
15110 10 Ave SW, Ste A
Seattle WA 98166-1820
206-246-6652; F: 206-246-6531
* Please remember some posters may be WHEAT-FREE, but not GLUTEN-FREE *
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