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

As anticipated the FDA's release of its proposal for gluten-free labeling 
has generated much discussion and numerous opinions.

A number of individuals will not read the proposal in its entirety and will 
rely on comments presented on this Listserv to form their own opinions. 
This leaves the door open for misunderstandings if statements about the 
proposal are not quoted accurately.

An  example of this occurred earlier this week.  A post was quoting the FDA 
regarding celiac associations and their respective positions on oats.   The 
information provided was not complete and therefore represents an inaccurate 
viewpoint.   That statement is now circulating among various lists and 
online support groups and creating its own buzz.

On page 2798 of the Federal Register it states:  "None of the four U.S. 
celiac associations that responded to the survey considered oats to be an 
acceptable food for individuals with celiac disease."  The quote is taken 
from an April 2000 article by Tricia Thompson, "Questionable food and the 
gluten-free diet:  Surevey of current recommendations."

The FDA goes on to note, on the same page (2798)  the CURRENT positions held 
by the organizations:

"According to more recent position statements of 3 of the 4 major celiac 
associations in the United States that responded to the earlier survey 
conducted by Thompson (Ref. 57), one of these associations continues to take 
the position that oats are not an acceptable food for individuals with 
celiac disease; but, the other two of these associations are not opposed to 
the inclusion of oats in the diets of individuals with celiac disease, 
provided that the oats do not contain gluten from other grains and that the 
daily amount of oats consumed is limited to 1 cup cooked (Ref. 56). "


It goes on to state that the organizations which do not oppose the incusion 
of oats -- "state that oats can add soluble fiber and nutrients to a diet 
that avoids all sources of gluten; but, direct individuals with celiac 
disease to consult with their health care providers before introducing oats 
into their diet. Also, both of these associations recommend that individuals 
with celiac disease who consume oats should have their levels of antibodies 
specific to celiac disease monitored periodically. "


In short --1 organization states no oats are acceptable; 2 are NOT opposed 
(to the inclusion of oats in the GF diet. )



I strongly encourage those who quote the FDA proposal when offering their 
comments to verify the statement first.   This will help to minimize 
confusion about what the proposal says or does not say.   More importantly, 
it will assist those who rely on this Listserv for accurate, up-to-date, 
information about issues affecting the celiac community.

Andrea

Andrea Levario
Executive Director
American Celiac Disease Alliance
4331 E. Baseline Road
Ste B105 - # 216
Gilbert, AZ   85234-2961
(703) 622-3331
[log in to unmask]
www.AmericanCeliac.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