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 Under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), the FDA is required to develop draft regulations on the use of the term 'gluten-free' on food labels by August 2006, and to issue a final rule no later than August 2008. 
The first in a series of steps by the FDA to set voluntary labeling standards for GF foods will take place this week.  The FDA's Food Advisory Committee will meet to discuss a draft report  "Approaches to Establish Thresholds for Major Food Allergens and for Gluten in Food" .  

The meeting will take place July 13-14, 2005, in Greenbelt, MD.  This report was prepared by a broadbased group of scientists from the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) at FDA. This report was prepared to the agency in its implementation of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA). 

According to the FDA, on July 13 the committee will discuss the draft report's approaches for food allergen thresholds. On July 14, the committee will discuss the draft report's approaches for gluten thresholds. On July 15, based on the charge and questions from FDA, the committee will determine whether the report is scientifically sound in its analyses and approaches and adequately considers available relevant data on allergens and gluten. 

The CFSAN website notes that iIndividuals may register online or by calling the committee contact, Marcia Moore, at 301-436-2397; or by sending an email to [log in to unmask] Individuals can also call the FDA Advisory Committee Information Line at 800-741-8138 (301-443-0572 in the Washington, DC area), code 3014510564. 

In addition, FDA requests that members of the public submit comments and any relevant scientific data and information, particularly data and information that can fill the data gaps identified in the draft report, by August 16, 2005. The notice requesting comments and scientific information is available for online viewing. "  

Andrea Levario, American Celiac Disease Alliance

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