New Labeling Laws

[BamBam]

I understand that the new label laws for products have to state if there is

milk/casein

eggs

wheat

yeast

nuts

shellfish

I can't remember what the other items are.

However, tHey DO NOT have to state if there is barley, rye or oats? So the new labeling law will not make things any easier or will it?

[KaitiUSA]

They will list the top 8 allergens including wheat...but it will not cover rye,barley, or oats. It will help us at least a bit

[celiac3270]

It's milk, wheat, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, soy, I think.

It will rule out many of the products, since wheat is usually the culprit, but in terms of positively identifying the products as gluten-free, won't help. Sort of like the gene test for celiac, lol.

[Guest BERNESES]

Good one celiac3270! But at least you can look at it and immediately rule it out if it says wheat. You won't have to read the rest of the long labels. Just say bye-bye

[tarnalberry]

dairy, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, fish, and shellfish

those are the eight major allergens that will need to be identified on packaging. it's true that oats, barley, and rye won't have to be labeled, but the law does require that a definition of the term "gluten-free" be determined. (legally it's more complicated that common sense would indicate - you have to be able to test and "prove" a certain level, and tests are all a "lower than X" kind of thing...) so it's a huge benefit for the allergic, a start for us, and generally better than what we've had.

[Carriefaith]

Are these laws going to be in the US only?

[KaitiUSA]

I think so, but I am not sure if they will do it elsewhere to...the bill that was passed would only be valid in the US I would assume..unless other countries started following our laws

[Carriefaith]

Ok thanks Kaiti Hopefully Canada will do the same...

[KaitiUSA]

Yeah, I'm sure you can easily find out. If they are not,maybe calling or writing to the government to say they should have that law to make it easier for celiacs and then explain...it can't hurt