United States moves closer to 'gluten free' definition

On 2 August 2011, the US Food and Drug Administration reopened the comment period for its proposal on labeling foods as 'gluten-free'. In 2007, FDA proposed to allow manufacturers to label a food 'gluten-free' if the food does not contain any ingredient or derivative of an ingredient that is any type of wheat, rye, barley, or crossbreeds of these grains, or where processing methods have been used to ensure the food does not contain more than 20 ppm gluten.

In the notice reopening the comment period, the FDA states that it continues to believe the definition of 'gluten-free' proposed in 2007 is still correct, and the threshold of less than 20 ppm is similar to 'gluten-free' labelling standards used by many other countries, including those who have adopted the standard set out in Codex Alimentarius in 2008.

The FDA encourages members of the food industry, state and local governments, consumers, and other interested parties to offer comments and suggestions about gluten-free labelling in docket number FDA-2005-N-0404 at www.regulations.gov. The comment period will remain open for 60 days.

After the FDA reviews and considers the comments, the agency will issue a final rule that defines 'gluten-free' for labeling food products, including dietary supplements.

More information about the proposal and instructions on submitting a comment can be found on the FDA website.