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

Last week, thanks to all of you, and many more, our tally for letters
to Congress topped 10,000!   An absolutely incredible number for 9
months of work.
Pat yourselves on the back.

In the Senate, S. 741 has officially reported out of committee.  The
Committee report is S. Rpt. 108-226, once available online we will send
the URL.
Remember, it is Title II of the bill which is the , "Food Allergen
Labeling and Consumer Protection Act."  The bill can now be scheduled
for floor action.  Hopefully, that will happen very soon!

In the House, H.R. 3684, the "Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer
Protection Act" has been referred to the Energy and Commerce
Subcommittee on Health.  It currently has 27 cosponsors.  Has your
Representative cosponsored the bill?  Check at www.capwiz.com/celiac ;
Click on "Issues and Legislation"; then Click on H.R. 3684.

Lastly, but most importantly, the bills which are moving through
Congress have taken almost 4 years of negotiation.  The interested
parties -- food companies, allergy organizations / patient groups, the
celiac community -- ALL have had to make sacrifices to get this far.
At this point, ANY request for changes WILL KILL the chances of ANY
bill passing this year.  Pushing for more, will cost us the allies that
have carried us, and who have graciously helped to preserve the FDA
rulemaking for voluntary standards for 'gluten-free' labeling.

Does the celiac community need more -- of course.  This is a phenomenal
first step, and gets us 90% of what is needed on a food label.  Its the
top 8 allergens on a label or nothing.  Let's get this done then worry
about, the remaining 10%.


American Celiac Task Force
www.celiaccenter.org/taskforce.asp
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