FDA- Require gluten to be labeled as an allergen!

FDA- Require gluten to be labeled as an allergen!

Started
September 29, 2020
Signatures: 1,696Next Goal: 2,500
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Why this petition matters

Started by Galen Rydzik

Please sign my White House petition here! This will more effectively garner attention from the federal government!

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/add-gluten-list-recognized-allergens-food-labels

Currently, the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 requires that all food containing the 8 most common allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans) be labeled as having such. It does not, however, require that gluten be labeled as an allergen. This is extremely problematic because grains such as rye, barley, and triticale do not have to be labeled on food containers. These grains can be found in "ingredients" that do not specify what they are made of, such as natural flavors, modified food starch, caramel color, and artificial colors. There are many other such ingredients that are more obvious, but this can make it difficult for those who have recently discovered their allergy. Many food manufacturers will use ingredients that are cross-contaminated with barley (such as chocolate), yet they are not required to mention this on their label. In many cases, it leaves many with Celiac Disease to guess as to whether or not they think there could be any possibility food may be unsafe. 

This issue doesn't affect a small number of people, either- according to the Celiac Disease Foundation, celiac disease affects nearly 3 million Americans. 

As such, I am asking that the FDA update its guidelines to include gluten on food labels. This would take out the "guessing game" that comes with reading food labels. This will also help to bring about a greater awareness to the public and the food industry- many with celiac disease find it difficult to dine out when food staff are ignorant of their allergies.

Additionally, this lack of labeling may cause serious issues for those with Celiac Disease in the near future; the FDA recently approved substitution of some ingredients in foods that do not include the 8 major allergens due to COVID, but this does not include ingredients that are derived from other gluten containing grains or ingredients that are cross-contaminated with them.

 

 

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Signatures: 1,696Next Goal: 2,500
Support now
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