New Gluten-Free Legislation
A new European regulation concerning the composition and labelling of foodstuffs suitable for people intolerant to gluten has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The new Regulation was published on 20th January 2009.
Previously a food could use the term 'gluten free' if it contained less than 200 milligrams per kilogram of gluten, which is also referred to as 200 parts per million (ppm). Following a review of scientific evidence, and a change to the international Codex Alimentarius standard for gluten-free foods, a new dual standard has been adopted in this Regulation:
- Foods not exceeding 20 ppm will be labelled as 'gluten free'
- Foods containing between 21-100ppm will be labelled as 'very low gluten'
The new Regulation outlines a three-year transition period in order for manufacturers to make formulation or labelling changes to comply with the new criteria. This means whilst manufacturers can implement the new labelling system immediately, products do not have to comply until 1st January 2012.
What does this mean for the Glutafin products?
Glutafin, the specialist prescription brand, is part of the Dr Schar Group. Dr Schar is the leading European manufacturer of gluten-free foods and is dedicated to producing innovative, high-quality products of less than 20ppm.
The majority of Glutafin products are made in our own factories and are already less than 20ppm. Where we occasionally source products from co-manufacturers we are working towards achieving this new level.
The Dr Schar Group has been closely following, and involved in, discussions around the changes to the Codex Standard and new EC Regulation. This new dual standard will provide safer limits and patients can be confident that whilst complying with the new Standard and Regulation, Glutafin will continue to offer the high-quality products patients and healthcare professionals have come to expect.
For further queries regarding the Codex Standard and EC legislation in relation to Glutafin please contact the CDRC.