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

    Despite the great work by the American Celiac Task Force and others
to give accurate, up to date information on the food labaling
legislation moving through Congress some still don't get their facts
straight. Found on the home page of a national organization:

1) On the web site: "The House Energy and Health Subcommittee on
                     Tuesday, June 15, 2004 approved legislation that
                     would require food allergens to be listed by name
                     on product labels."

   The correct info: There is no Energy and Health Subcommitee.
                     It is the House Energy and Commerce Committee

2) On the web site: "Please encourage your Representatives to support
                     the House version of the Food Allergen Bill ...
                     (HR3684) that is still pending."

   The CORRECT info: With respect to food labeling (and all celiac
                     related provisions), HR3684 is IDENTICAL to S741 -
                     the bill already passed by the House Energy and
                     Commerce Committee.
                     S741 has an additional provision, not related to
                     food labeling, that addresses availability of
                     'orphan' drugs for minor animal species.

                     The House decided to move on S741 rather than
                     HR3684 because S741 includes all the same
                     provisions and has already passed the Senate. That
                     means if the House passes the same S741 there is
                     no need for a Senate/House conference to work out
                     differences - IT IS THE SAME BILL: S741.

       BOTTOM LINE: for celiacs either bill will do, and since S741
           is so far ahead, that's the one we need to focus on and
           promote with our Congresmen.

                        FORGET ABOUT HR3684!

3) On the web site the organization recommends: "...suggested edits to
                    HR3684 which provide for the inclusion of ...
                    "barley," "rye," and "oats."

   The correct info: Given points 1) and 2) above, it is clear that any
                    effort on HR3684 is wasted and detracts from the
                    goal, so near at hand, of passing S741.
                    Additionally, pushing to add these words totally
                    ignores the political reality that language
                    addressing the needs of a single, minor
constituency
                    - the celiac - would NEVER make it through either
                    chamber!


    So, let's "keep our eyes on the prize": S741 goes a long way in
recognizing our condition and addressing our most major concern - the
labeling of wheat on all food labels. It adds icing on the cake by
planning to come up with a single, documented, codified definition of
'Gluten-free' we can all use to make informed decisions on.



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