FDA Still Struggling to Define "Gluten-Free"

by Slashfood Editor, Posted May 2nd 2011 @ 2:00PM

gluten free cookies Photo: LizLemonCooks, Flickr

In 2004, Congress gave the FDA until 2008 to create a definition for what a gluten-free product actually means. Three years after that deadline, we're still waiting.

The Washington Post reports that as celiac disease rates are rising, the government still has no set definition for gluten-free products.

Although the U.S. gluten-free product industry is booming (revenues were $2.6 billion last year, up from $100 million in 2003), they still have quite a bit of wiggle room. The Washington Post explains that some companies "might fail to test their products or might allow small amounts of gluten but still label their foods as gluten-free."

Other countries including Canada, Brazil and Australia have defined gluten-free foods as containing no more than 0.0007 of an ounce of gluten for every 2.2 pounds of food. Though the FDA has no set definition, it does offer a FAQ page about gluten-free labeling.

On May 4, the world's largest gluten-free cake will be brought to Capitol Hill to call attention to the issue. Currently, at least three million Americans have celiac disease, and 18 million have gluten sensitivity.

Filed Under: Health & Medical, Food News
Tags: celiac disease, CeliacDisease, featured, gluten free food, GlutenFreeFood

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

5-03-2011 @9:36AM Stephanie said... Institute of Culinary Education Chef Instructor Michelle Tampakis (who is gluten-free and still a Dessert Professional Top Ten Pastry Chef) will be there to help make the cake!

See her bio here: http://www.iceculinary.com/career/faculty.shtml
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5-04-2011 @3:18AM Wemodick Smith said... gluten-free food product has become still a mystery in front of FDA. But in my opinion, i would like to say that the the production of Gluten-free product should be stooped now.
http://www.campusbug.com/blogs/view.php?id=20655

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