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Chicago Tribune Articles Reveal Problems with Allergen Labeling

 

In a two-part investigative piece, Tribune reporter Sam Roe draws upon data from a decade of food recalls and finds startling results.  Hundreds of complaints have been made to the federal agencies which oversee the labeling of food and meat products. Only a fraction of those complaints resulted in products being recalled or removed from store shelves. 

 

Of particular note to the celiac community was the testing carried out at the University of Nebraska on samples of a popular gluten-free chicken nugget.  A young boy experienced severe allergic reactions after eating the nuggets.  Though complaints about the product persisted, nothing was done, even though independent testing revealed they were not gluten-free at all. 

 

That the consumer is not alerted to situations like this, or to recalls, is alarming.  The Tribune article found that "in many cases, the government and companies never inform consumers."  Furthermore, it was learned "this was true even in dozens of cases where the FDA classified products as likely to cause serious harm or death."

 

The ACDA was very pleased to have provided Sam Roe with background information about celiac disease and how labeling affects individuals on the gluten-free diet.  We also discussed the proposed standards for GF labeling. 

 

Read the Tribune articles for November 21 and November 23. 

 

The ACDA's Letter to the Editor

November 25, 2008

Dear Chicago Tribune Editor:

On behalf of the American Celiac Disease Alliance (ACDA) and the thousands of Americans now affected by Celiac Disease, thank you for publishing the two-part investigative series on food labeling and food manufacturing oversight entitled “Allergy Threat: A Tribune Investigation” (Nov. 21 and Nov 23, 2008).   

Mr. Roe’s thorough and well researched article exposes the serious and sometimes life-threatening problems that can be caused by mislabeled food products.  His article paints a compelling and very personal portrait of the challenges people with Celiac Disease, food allergies and other health concerns face each and every time they shop the grocery store aisles.  

Celiac Disease is the world’s most common autoimmune disease. Although most have yet to be diagnosed, it is estimated that at least 1% of the U.S. population has this inherited disease. Today, the only known treatment is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet for life.  

On behalf of those living with Celiac Disease, the ACDA applauds the Chicago

Tribune’s efforts to raise awareness of the issue and to demand stricter oversight of food labeling and enforcement by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) was an important first step in protecting celiac, gluten intolerant and food-allergic consumers.  Mr. Roe’s article clearly indicates that more stringent oversight is necessary. We agree.   

In January 2007, the FDA proposed a standard for ‘gluten-free’ labeling. Under its proposal the maximum threshold level for gluten would be set at 20 parts per million (ppm).  When finalized these regulations will help to ensure that individuals with Celiac Disease are not misled by incorrect food labels and that they have truthful, accurate and easily accessible information on processed food labels.  

Until this regulation goes into effect and FDA oversight is strengthened, food-sensitive consumers will be left wondering what products they and their families can safely consume. In the case of those with celiac disease, they will also be questioning the safety of adhering to the gluten-free diet, their only medical treatment.

Andrea Levario

Executive Director

American Celiac Disease Alliance (ACDA)

 

 

   

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Medical information provided on this site has been reviewed by the ACDA's Medical Advisory Board for accuracy. Information contained on this site is not intended to provide, nor does it constitute, medical advice.  Dietary changes based on information on this web site should not be initiated without first consulting a physician.

 

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This site was last updated December 7, 2008.