In recent years gluten has taken a big fall in the food and nutrient world. Some of the reasons for the gluten aversion include: celiac disease, gluten intolerance and weight control. If you are avoiding gluten the following labeling guidelines will help you make science-based choices when choosing gluten free foods.
What is gluten?
Gluten refers to specific proteins that are naturally found in gluten-containing grains. The FDA defines gluten-free as a food that:
- is naturally gluten free and does not contain any ingredients that include a gluten-containing grain (e.g., spelt wheat).
- has not been derived from a gluten-containing grain that was processed to remove gluten (e.g., wheat starch).
- does not contain 20 parts per million (ppm) or more gluten.
- when processed any gluten that cannot be avoided must have less than 20 ppm.
Is gluten bad for you?
For some people, especially those with celiac disease, these proteins can cause serious health effects. If you feel like you are at risk for celiac disease or are concerned that you have a gluten sensitivity, you should contact your health care practitioner.
How do you know whether a food contains gluten?
If a food product is not labeled gluten free you must assume that the product contains gluten.
Gluten-free labeling is voluntary for all packaged foods that are regulated by the FDA. That does not include foods regulated by the USDA, such as meat, poultry and some egg products; and foods and beverages regulated by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, which include alcoholic beverages and products that contain more than 7% of alcohol by volume. Gluten-free labeling is not required on gluten-free products. Labeling is voluntary; therefore, it is the manufacturer’s decision whether to label their products that are gluten-free.
Kimberly Baker, ©2017, Clemson Extension
How do I know if a food is gluten free?
Manufacturers of foods that are labeled gluten free are required to meet FDA regulations for labeling. They must use methods to prove that these products contain less than 20 ppm of gluten including:
- Performing a gluten test at the manufacturing facility of either starting ingredients or the finished product.
- Enlisting a third-party laboratory to conduct gluten testing.
- Requesting certificates of gluten analysis from the suppliers of the ingredients used in the product.
- Participating in a gluten-free certification program.
So, what should I look for on the label of a gluten free food?
FDA recommends that gluten free foods be labeled:
- gluten-free
Other terms that can be used (as long as the food meets the FDA’s requirements for gluten-free) but are discouraged are:
- No gluten
- Free of gluten
- Without gluten
- Low gluten
- Very low gluten
The FDA is responsible for monitoring all food products that are labeled gluten-free to ensure they are in compliance with the rule. Methods of monitoring include sampling the product, inspection of the manufacturing facility, review of the food label, following up on any consumer or industry complaints that are reported, and gluten testing.
Examples of gluten-free labeled products.
Kimberly Baker, ©2017, Clemson Extension
How are naturally gluten free foods labeled?
Foods that are naturally gluten-free, such as bottled water or fruits and vegetables, can be labeled as gluten-free. Non-gluten containing grains such as rice, buckwheat and oats, can be labeled as gluten-free as long as any potential cross contact with gluten containing products results in the gluten-free grain having less than 20 ppm gluten.
The FDA does not have a required gluten-free logo or symbol. The manufacturer may place the gluten-free claim anywhere on a food label as long as it does not interfere with the information that is mandatory on the label.