New Certification For Gf Food Processing

[daddyez]

New Food Safety Program -

Independent Certification Program for Gluten-Free Food Processing

SEATTLE, WA – A new Gluten-Free (gluten-free) certification mark on food labels will allow consumers who are medically required to only eat gluten-free foods to easily identify safe food. This new independent food processing inspection program will verify that food products meet the highest standards for gluten-free ingredients and safe processing environment. The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group® (GIG), is the first program of its kind in the world. The addition of a gluten-free certification mark to a food label quickly gives the increasing number of gluten-free shoppers assurance that the product is safe to eat, meaning the product is free of gluten and possible cross-contamination from gluten.

Gluten in the food industry refers to storage proteins found in grains. These storage proteins are beneficial in certain types of food production. For instance, wheat gluten gives baked products elasticity and texture. However, in persons with celiac disease (a condition that affects around 1% of the general population also known as gluten sensitive enteropathy or celiac sprue) and dermatitis herpetiformis, ingestion of the specific storage proteins in wheat, rye and barley damage the small intestine. Gluten-free diets that eliminate the storage proteins found in wheat, rye and barley are the only treatment for this condition.

Key elements of the GFCO process include:

* Ingredients review, down to the original supplier

* Onsite inspections by experienced, trained Field Inspection Agents

* Product and ingredient testing using scientifically proven tests

* GFCO certification mark located on product packages for easy identification

GFCO maintains a system of independent verification through plant visits to assure that there have been no changes that might compromise its gluten-free status. GFCO certification uses the highest standards for gluten-free ingredients and safe processing environment, and cannot be altered or compromised. The GFCO certification standards exceed the requirements of current government laws and regulations. The voluntary participation of companies in this program will ensure public confidence in the gluten-free status of their products.

The GFCO was developed in cooperation with the Food Services, Inc., a subsidiary of the Orthodox Union (the “OU”), the world’s largest and oldest kosher certification agency. The OU’s nearly 500 field representatives, proficient in modern food production techniques and chemical and biological processes, will conduct plant inspections and product reviews for the GFCO.

“Food Services, Inc. and the Orthodox Union are pleased to be included in this key development on behalf of those who for health reasons are required to be gluten-free,” declared Rabbi Menachem Genack, Chief Executive Officer of the OU. “The OU’s standard of excellence in kosher certification is recognized worldwide. OU field inspectors are deeply familiar with modern food technology and with the intricacies of industrial food manufacturing equipment, which will be applied to their work with Food Services, Inc. We look forward to this opportunity to use our expertise on behalf of the gluten-free consumer.”

"Today's Gluten-Free Certification program announcement heralds an unprecedented improvement in food shopping for people on a gluten-free diet, and represents a major new area of support by GIG to dramatically improve quality of life for those with gluten intolerance, celiac disease/dermatitis herpetiformis and their families," said Cynthia Kupper, RD, celiac disease, Executive Director of GIG.

Gluten-free you can easily see

Products labeled with the gluten-free certification mark allow consumers to easily identify products that have been independently verified to meet the highest standards for gluten-free ingredients and safe processing environment. Shopping for gluten-free foods now takes an average family between 10-20 extra hours per month, including contacting food manufacturers, reading product labels, and searching the Internet to identify foods that are free from gluten ingredients and cross-contamination. Consumers previously had to rely on product information provided by food manufacturers, usually through their customer service representatives.

Bringing confidence to the words “gluten-free”Although many more gluten-free products have become available in the past few years, adhering to a gluten-free diet remains difficult and frustrating, since wheat is so prevalent in processed foods. A great deal of time is required to read food labels, contact food manufacturers and search gluten-free product lists. The risk of consuming gluten persists, as much of the information available is second- or third-hand, unclear or contradictory.

First major food companies to adopt GFCO supervision and labeling

Enjoy Life Natural Brands and PureFit Nutrition Bar are the first food manufacturers to join the GFCO supervision program. These pioneering companies will start displaying the gluten-free certification mark on their food products by the beginning of 2006. “Enjoy Life has a strong commitment to the celiac community. We hear from consumers everyday, expressing how much difficulty they have identifying foods that are safe for their gluten-free diet,” said Scott Mandell, President and CEO of Enjoy Life Natural Brands. “We’re proud to be able to provide them with the extra convenience and safety assurance this new certification provides.”

More information available at:

www.gfco.org

[tarnalberry]

I saw that on the delphi forums list yesterday. Looks promising!

[gf4life]

I agree Tiffany. It would be very helpful. I really liked having the Kosher symbols on foods when we were dairy free, and to have a symbol on foods for gluten-free would also be great.

[celiac3270]

Phenomenal. Yet another reason to love GIG.

[Turtle]

This would be AWESOME! Anyone know if there is a way we can show our support?

[gf4life]

The website is Open Original Shared Link

If you go there and click on the contact link, you should be able to show as much support as you want!

I hope a lot of companies utilise their services. It would be wonderful.

It says in the FAQs section that in order to be marked gluten-free it has to be tested at less than 10 ppm. I think even CODEX gluten-free level is 20 ppm, so that is pretty low.

God bless,

Mariann