Labeling Bill Aims to Simplify Adding Top Allergens, Gluten Sources

Celiac.com 11/29/2021 - For anyone who has ever been confused about the labelling of gluten and other tops allergens, help may be on the way in the form of a comprehensive food labeling bill recently introduced in the United States Congress.

The bill would make it easier to require labeling for additional food allergens in the future.

FLMA Offers Major Progress on Gluten Labeling

Celiac.com Sponsor (A12):
Under the Food Labeling Modernization Act (FLMA), introduced in the House and Senate on August 3 as HR 4917 and S 2594, respectively, regulators could add new allergens more easily, and gluten-containing grains would need to be declared. The bill improves food labeling laws, ingredients lists on packaged foods, and front-of-package food labeling and nutrition claims.

The new bill requires the FDA to define claims made on packaging including “healthy” and “natural” and require more open disclosure of “gluten-containing grains" and ingredients. For example, the bill would require gluten-containing ingredients such as barley and rye to be overtly labeled, in the same way that wheat is now labeled. That means that gluten will no longer remain hidden in yeast, malts, and flavorings.

Sponsored by Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) in the House, and Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ed Markey (D-MA), in the Senate, the bill has won enthusiastic support from numerous celiac nonprofits and advocacy groups.

Pallone told reporters that manufacturers must do more to properly disclose allergens. “The [FLMA] would allow FDA to act quickly to protect consumers by authorizing the agency to define major food allergens and ensure compliance,” he says.

Read more in Allergic Living