Upcoming Fda Meeting--take Gig Survey

[jenvan]

Hey all-

I got this note from my local support group. I took the survey, thought some of you might as well. It is short. Read below:

The FDA is holding hearings to determine what the label "gluten-free" will mean in the United States. They have asked for comments from the "gluten-free" public on several questions. The exact questions posed by FDA are listed below.

Comments can be submitted directly to the FDA at Open Original Shared Link, or you can respond to an online survey by Cynthia Kupper of Gluten Intolerance Group at Open Original Shared Link. She is presenting the results of the survey at the FDA meeting. (This online survey is only available until Wednesday evening, 8/10/05). More information is also available at Open Original Shared Link There is concern at CSA that FDA may make the "acceptable" level of gluten in products too high, raising it from the current informal standard of 20 ppm. (You may also want to comment on this).

FDA Questions:

Are there available research data or findings on what consumers with celiac disease or their caregivers believe the term ``gluten-

free'' means? For example, do the research data show consumers' beliefs as to which specific grains or other ingredients are not present in foods labeled "gluten-free''?

Are there available research data on how consumers with celiac disease or their caregivers identify packaged foods that do not contain gluten? Do the data establish how much time these consumers devote to identifying such foods?

Are there available research data on whether the packaged foods consumers with celiac disease currently purchase are primarily or exclusively those foods labeled "gluten-free''?

Do the research data identify the types of ``gluten-free'' packaged foods (e.g., breads, dairy foods, canned vegetables) purchased by persons with celiac disease?

Do the research data show whether a "`gluten-free'' label influences the purchasing decision of persons with celiac disease when presented with products having identical ingredient lists?

[mytummyhurts]

Thanks, Jen. I did it!

[Jnkmnky]

So, there's the risk that the words "gluten free" are going to be played with? That's so annoying. Gluten free should mean gluten free, period.

[jenvan]

no joke... "gluten free" shouldn't be a "subjective" term... another reason for us celiacs to make a lot of noise !

[Guest nini]

I did it but I'm not sure I did it right...

[celiac3270]

I took the survey!

[KaitiUSA]

I took the survey too

[Turtle]

Thanks for sharing this. Hope it helps!!

[Funkalicious]

This is important !!! Thanks for sharing.