Time for Commenting Has Closed . . .

Late this summer the FDA announced it was reopening the public comment period on its gluten-free labeling proposal for another 60-days to ensure that it has the best scientific, evidence-based information to establish the country’s first ever standard for gluten-free products. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act  (FALCPA) directed the FDA to come up with a standard and the agency in 2007 proposed that gluten-free food contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.

Just as we did in the fight to pass FALCPA, the ACDA spearheaded the grassroots campaign to secure thousands (you read it right!) of signatures in support of the proposed gluten-free labeling standard.  Our internationally recognized members provided critical perspectives on the issues to help the public better understand the science behind the FDA’s proposed standard of 20 parts per million (ppm).  They also provided extensive comments on key issues outlined in the Federal Register notice.

. . . and Soon Another Door Will Open

It will be a number of months before the FDA reopens the door on the issue of  gluten-free labeling.  When it does, it will be with REAL news the community can use!  The FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Food, Michael Taylor, has conveyed in strong terms that he expects the final gluten-free labeling standard to be completed in the “third quarter of next year.”  The celiac community will be waiting anxiously (not patiently) for July 2012.