Balancing consumer protection and scientific integrity in the face of uncertainty: the example of gluten-free foods.
In 2009, gluten-free foods were not only "hot" in the marketplace, several countries, including the United States, continued efforts to define gluten-free and appropriate labeling parameters. The regulatory process illuminates how difficult regulations based on safe scientific thresholds can be for regulators, manufacturers and consumers. This article analyzes the gluten-free regulatory landscape, challenges to defining a safe gluten threshold, and how consumers might need more label information beyond the term "gluten-free." The article includes an overview of international gluten-free regulations, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rulemaking process, and issues for consumers.
Franklin Pierce Law Center, Concord, New Hampshire, USA.
Margaret Sova
MS
McCabe
D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis; D001315:Australia; D002170:Canada; D002446:Celiac Disease / Q000178:diet therapy; D003257:Consumer Product Safety / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D055050:Diet, Gluten-Free / Q000592:standards; D005062:European Union; D005504:Food Analysis; D005515:Food Labeling / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D005983:Glutens / Q000032:analysis; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence
D000485:Allergens; D005983:Glutens