Gluten Free Labeling Guide

For some people with celiac disease or a sensitivity to gluten, remaining gluten-free is necessary for their well-being. In addition, a growing number of people are choosing to embrace this lifestyle. Many health gurus and celebrities today have encouraged people to eliminate gluten from their diets. They promote it as a natural way to avoid and remove toxins that may lead to ill health. As a result, countless food manufacturers have responded to these trends and introduced more products that do not contain gluten.

To help consumers make well-informed decisions, the Food and Drug Administration has introduced new rules regarding labels and packaging on “gluten-free” products. This means the products identified in this manner must meet the federal standards regarding gluten content. However, manufacturers are not under any obligation to label their products as such. Moreover, some types of foods regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture are exempt from the FDA labeling rules. Although the label may be more prominent today, it still could be confusing for anyone who needs to use it to make the right choice while shopping.

Whether you need to avoid gluten for health reasons or choose to do so, understanding how and why foods are labeled is important. See the accompanying infographic for further information.