No Set Definition Of Gluten-free?

[Dolcenotte]

I was just reading that the FDA and the FALCPA (food allergen labeling and consumer protection act) do not state an exact defintion of gluten free and that each company makes up its own definition it goes by. How do we know if something is labelled gluten free is safe then? How has everyone here managed with that? Has anyone eaten something actually labelled gluten free and been sick? Also, its crazy that the FALCPA does not cover barley or rye in its allergens for wheat/gluten. Doesn't this completely go against the purpose of the labelling of these allergens? Thank goodness, effective August 08, they are coming out with a clear definiton of gluten free so companies know what they are doing. But this does not force companies to label things gluten free. Its only voluntary as it is now. Sorry I'm ranting but I couldn't believe this after reading it. I'm still new to all this and was astonished! Any thoughts?

[RiceGuy]

This is probably just one of the reasons why many of us look for statements like "produced in a gluten-free facility".

[missy'smom]

We still should read labels and not just pick up something and eat it without looking. I have gotten sick from something labeled gluten-free because it was manufactured on shared lines. It stated that on the box. But I noticed that after I was getting sick and went back to look. I'm not blaming the company. For exactly the reasons you said, we have to be educated consumers and make educated decisions.

I look at it like a screening process for an interview. If it says gluten-free it gets it's foot in the door. It doesn't get the job unless it passes my final screening.