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The FDA released the long-awaited proposed rule on gluten free labeling 
earlier this morning.  The text of the proposal will be published in 
tomorrow's Federal Register.

In very brief summary, the FDA is proposing to set a standard of 20 part per 
million as the acceptable level of gluten allowed for a product to be 
labeled as 'gluten-free.'

SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to define the 
term "gluten-free" for voluntary use in the labeling of foods, to mean that 
the food does not contain any of the following: An ingredient that is any 
species of the grains wheat,  rye, barley, or a crossbred hybrid of these 
grains (all noted grains are collectively referred to as "prohibited 
grains") ; an ingredient that is derived from a prohibited grain and that 
has not been processed to remove gluten (e.g., wheat flour) ; an ingredient 
that is derived from a prohibited grain and that has been processed to 
remove gluten (e .g., wheat starch), if the use of that ingredient results 
in the presence of 20 parts per million (ppm) or more gluten in the food; or 
2O ppm or more gluten. A food that bears the claim "gluten-free" or similar 
claim in its labeling and fails to meet the conditions specified in the 
proposed definition of "gluten-free" would be deemed misbranded. FDA also is 
proposing to deem misbranded a food bearing a gluten-free claim in its 
labeling if the food is inherently free of gluten and if the claim does not 
refer to all foods of that same type (e.g., "milk, a glutenfree food" or 
"all milk is gluten-free") . In addition, a food made from oats that bears a 
gluten-free claim in its labeling would be deemed misbranded if the claim 
suggests that all such foods are gluten-free or if 20 ppm or more gluten is 
present in the food.

http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/05n-0279-npr0001.pdf

 The American Celiac Disease Alliance (ACDA) applauds the FDA on today's 
release of its proposed rule on gluten-free labeling.    The proposal was 
required as part of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act 
of 2004, which the ACDA strongly supported.   Our members provided 
background information and collaborated with the FDA on this measure.


 We look forward to reviewing the proposed rules, and providing our comments 
to the FDA.

The public will have 90 days from the date of publication to submit comments 
on this proposal.


Andrea Levario, J.D.
Executive Director
American Celiac Disease Alliance
4331 E. Baseline Road
Ste B105 - # 216
Gilbert, AZ   85234-2961
(703) 622-3331
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www.AmericanCeliac.org 

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