Current gluten-related claims on foods and other products range from “no gluten ingredients used” to “free of gluten,” “no gluten,” “made in a gluten-free facility,” and more. No wonder shoppers are confused. While the FDA continues to move at a glacial pace on defining gluten free (a 2006 recommendation suggests a limit of 20 parts per million, or ppm), nonprofit agencies have stepped up to certify products with even stricter standards. To buy with confidence, look for these three gluten-free labels.
The Celiac Spruce Association
The Celiac Sprue Association’s gluten-free mark indicates 5 ppm and limits ingredients to “risk-free” choices (not containing wheat, rye, barley, oats, or their derivatives) in product, processing, and packaging.
The Gluten-Free Certification Organization
The Gluten-Free Certification Organization, a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group, certifies to less than 10 ppm, using two rigorous standardized testing methods. More than 7,000 products carry the seal.
QAI and National Foundation for Celiac Awareness
Organic certifier QAI and the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness partnered to create this seal, which ensures compliance to 10 ppm. QAI also provides “bundled” certifications with organic, eco-social, and more.