Farms.com Home   Ag Industry News

FDA Clamps Down on ‘Gluten-Free’ Labels

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

There are now stricter regulations governing the use of “gluten-free” claims placed on packaged food in the United States. Earlier this week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that gluten-free can only be used for food products containing less than 20 parts per million of gluten.

The FDA issued the change in 2013, but the rule wasn’t enforced until a year later. Prior to August 5, 2014, there were no standards restricting the use of gluten-free labels on food products sold in the U.S.  The FDA said that the term will still be voluntary, but that companies must market foods as gluten-free “in a truthful and not misleading manner.”

Gluten greatly affects people with celiac disease, a condition which is triggered by consuming foods that contain wheat, barley, rye and oats. According to the FDA, an estimated 3 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, while some other people are sensitive to gluten or avoid it for personal reasons.  Celiac disease is classified as an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine. Symptoms include pain and discomfort in the digestive tract, along with a host of other issues, including anaemia and fatigue. The disease occurs in genetically predisposed people of all ages.

The legal definition of gluten-free, offers protection to American consumers from false or misguided marketing claims. Going forward, the FDA will be tasked to monitor gluten-free products to ensure that they have not been accidently cross-contaminated with gluten-containing products. For example oats are usually gluten-free, but are commonly grown with wheat and barley, which raises complications.


Trending Video

Complete Guide to WELL WATER Testing!

Video: Complete Guide to WELL WATER Testing!

Are you clueless about where to get your water tested, how to perform the tests, or interpret the results? Don't sweat it! I'm here to simplify water filtration for you.

In this step-by-step guide, I will take you through the entire process of testing well water quality. From choosing the right test kit, identifying common mistakes during the sampling process, to analyzing the results, I've got you covered.

I'll be demonstrating the process using a test kit from https://mytapscore.com/. They offer a range of comprehensive tests and easy-to-follow instructions, making water testing a breeze!

You'll see me sample water right from my home, as I share tips and insights on how to get the most accurate results. Plus, I'll answer FAQs about water testing and talk about what a complete well water filtration system should consist of.

By the end of this video, you'll not only have a better understanding of water quality and the threats that could be lurking in your tap, but you'll also know how to tackle them.

Once you have your results, send them to us at info@waterestore.com with your water concerns, and we'll provide personalized recommendations for fixing your water.