To support Codex committee deliberations, an ad hoc joint FAO/WHO committee convened to recommend a gluten reference dose (RfD) in a risk-based precautionary allergen labeling (PAL) framework to ensure food safety for people with both celiac and immunoglobulin E (IgE) -mediated wheat allergies.
This episode of Food Safety Five discusses allergen news in the EU, where experts recommend “hidden” food allergens for mandatory labeling, and in the U.S., where USDA-FSIS is adding gluten to its allergen verification activities.
Although gluten is not one of the Big 9 major food allergens, USDA inspectors will now verify that establishments producing meat, poultry, and egg products are accurately controlling and labeling gluten similar to the Big 9 major food allergens.
A gluten-free diet is the only treatment for individuals with celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately 1 percent of the world population. Even small amounts of gluten ingestion can cause a person with celiac disease to become ill, which is why food safety is paramount.
A recent study examined the extent of gluten migration from different biodegradable food contact materials into a variety of liquid and solid foods to provide a more comprehensive basis for assessing the risk of exposure for wheat allergy and celiac disease patients.
A tool developed by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) scientists allows for the screening of proteins in foods that trigger reactions in celiac disease patients, ensuring greater food safety. The tool could potentially be applied in a range of food safety areas.
A Q&A with Lindsey Yeakle, the Gluten-Free Food Service Program Manager, Food Safety, at the Gluten Intolerance Group about the current challenges for those with gluten allergy and sensitivity.
As there is no single international regulation or threshold for gluten in gluten-free products, deciphering the numerous regulations in multiple regions can be challenging.
