FDA has issued a Request for Information regarding labeling and preventing cross-contact of gluten in packaged foods, in an effort to improve transparency in the disclosures of ingredients that impact certain health conditions (such as gluten for those with celiac disease) and other food allergens.
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.
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 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.
The Gluten Intolerance Group has provided advice to the food industry on transparent labeling for gluten-free products, in honor of Celiac Awareness Month.
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.
