BREAKING NEWS: FDA Seeking New Comments on Gluten Free Labeling

A quick update for you as the Food and Drug Administration just sent out a news release with details on where they stand with the voluntary gluten free labeling law.

It is not an announcement of a proposed rule, but rather that they are seeking additional comment from people who eat gluten-free.

“Before finalizing our gluten-free definition, we want up-to-date input from affected consumers, the food industry, and others to help assure that the label strikes the right balance,” said Michael Taylor, deputy commissioner for foods said in the news release.

“We must take into account the need to protect individuals with celiac disease from adverse health consequences while ensuring that food manufacturers can meet the needs of consumers by producing a wide variety of gluten-free foods.”

From the FDA, here is how you can make your comment known:

The FDA encourages members of the food industry, state and local governments, consumers, and other interested parties to offer comments and suggestions about gluten-free labeling in docket number FDA-2005-N-0404 at www.regulations.gov. The docket will officially open for comments after noon on Aug 3, 2011 and will remain open for 60 days.

To submit your comments electronically to the docket go to www.regulations.gov

1. Choose “Submit a Comment” from the top task bar

2. Enter the docket number FDA-2005-N-0404 in the “Keyword” space

3. Select “Search”

To submit your comments to the docket by mail, use the following address:

The Division of Dockets Management
HFA-305
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061
Rockville, MD 20852

Include docket number FDA-2005-N-0404 on each page of your written comments.

There is a teleconference at 4 pm EST and I will have much more from that in an upcoming post.

Tags: celiac, FDA, gluten-free, labeling