“Gluten-Free” the basics:
In it’s purest sense, Gluten-Free, is a food diet or regimen that does not contain “gluten” (”the protein part of wheat, rye, barley, and other cross breeds of these grains” – FDA)  AND has NOT been prepared in the same cooking vessels or in the same vicinity or facility that was used to prepare foods that do contain gluten. Cross contamination is a major health concern to individuals that have a high sensitivity to gluten.

No federal labeling standards:
At this time there are NO Federal guidelines for using the label “Gluten-Free” on food products. “Since January 1, 2006, the “Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Act” requires that companies identify in “plain English” the eight most prevalent food allergens including – - wheat.” (courtesy of Celiac Health.org) NOTE: This law does not, however, address the use of rye, barley (malt), or cross bread grains. YOU MUST read all of the ingredients – each time, as ingredients change.

Proposed standards:
The FDA (Food & Drug Administration) is proposing the following limits in allowing manufacturers to use the “gluten-free” label on food (2007). Foods CANNOT contain : (courtesy of fda.gov)

  • an ingredient that is any type of wheat, rye, barley, or crossbreeds of these grains
  • an ingredient derived from these grains and that has not been processed to remove gluten
  • an ingredient derived from these grains and that has been processed to remove gluten, if it results in the food containing 20 or more parts per million (ppm) gluten

Standards for “Gluten-Free” labeling reportedly will be announced by the end of this summer (2012). For more information visit the Food and Drug Admin. website and the American Celiac Disease Alliance website for updates..

Free – 8 page Gluten-Free Diet Guide – download from the ” Children’s Digestive Health & Nutrition Foundation” website (CDHHNF).
Booklet contains the following + much more:

  • Grains to avoid
  • Overlooked sources of Gluten
  • Shopping list
  • Nutrient concerns while on a Gluten free diet
Search for “Gluten-Free” under Celiac Disease websites:
One of the best resources for Gluten-Free Diet information is through the Celiac Disease “portal”. “Celiac Disease (CD) is unique in that a specific food component, gluten, has been identified as the trigger — and the only treatment is the lifelong adherence to the gluten-free diet” (courtesy of Celiac Disease Foundation).

Here are a few of the sites we use which are listed under the heading “Celiac Disease”:

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Eating out Gluten-Free

ALERTS – RECALLS – NOTABLE NEWS
Gluten-Free Diet News & Alerts