The Food & Drink Federation (FDF) has launched a new best practice guide to support manufacturers on the labelling of food products containing gluten.
Gluten Labelling Best Practice: How to label pre-packaged foods which include cereals containing gluten aims to help manufacturers adhere to the Food Information to Consumers (FIC) Regulation – which in December 2014 changed the way allergen information is provided and emphasised on pre-packaged foods – and provide consumers with clear and consistent allergens labelling.
The guide was developed in collaboration with Coeliac UK, Anaphylaxis Campaign and the British Retail Consortium and illustrates examples of the usual as well as some of the more challenging labelling situations of foods containing gluten, as well as covering claims for gluten-free foods. Special consideration is also given to oats and wheat.
“As consumers are increasingly seeking clear information about various allergenic ingredients within the foods they purchase, it is important that food manufacturers provide labels that are legally compliant and make it easier for consumers to find and understand allergen information so they can make safer food choices,” said Barbara Gallani, director of regulation, science & health at the FDF. “By following a best-practice approach, we hope that this new guide will help manufacturers of all sizes make informed labelling decisions with regard to cereals containing gluten.”
CEO for Coeliac UK, Sarah Sleet, commented: “The charity supports the new best practice guidance for the industry and the introduction of an approach to limit the use of ‘may contain gluten’ statements on packaged foods which will be welcomed by everyone with coeliac disease.”
