As we discussed toward the end of 2012, the gluten-free community has made huge progress in the past few years.
Luckily, 2013 was no different, and we continue to see excellent momentum in medicine, in government, and in society at large.
Let’s face it. Having to follow a strict gluten-free diet affects us all day every day. That’s why it’s such big news to us when we hear of advancements and changes that make our lives easier.
While there’s been a lot of positive for the gluten-free community in 2013, here are our top 3 stories…
–
FDA Finalizes Gluten-Free Food Labeling
In the beginning of August this year, the Food and Drug Administration finalized its decision to implement stringent “gluten-free” food labeling standards in order to allow consumers to purchase food products with complete confidence. In order for products to be labeled gluten-free, the FDA has set a gluten limit of 20ppm which is consistent with gluten-free guidelines in other countries.
This decision by the FDA will help combat false claims made for years by a variety of food producers. This FDA decision will cover all products labeled as “gluten-free,” “free of gluten,” “no gluten,” and “without gluten.”
Precedent Set for Gluten-Free Options in Universities
At the end of 2012, Lesley University was revealed to have been hit with a complaint about their lack of gluten-free meal alternatives on their school campus. At the beginning of this year, the United States Department of Justice reached the settlement that Lesley University will make the necessary changes in order to accommodate students and faculty who are on a gluten-free diet.
Although this particular settlement only pertains to Lesley University, this is a huge win for the gluten-free community. The Lesley University case has set the precedent for all future cases regarding gluten-free options at schools, universities, and other major institutions.
Gluten in Medicine Disclosure Act
May 2013 saw the introduction of the Gluten in Medicine Disclosure Act, a bill that if passed, would mandate that all drugs and medications must show any ingredients containing gluten. For years, individuals on a gluten-free diet would take their medication without any knowledge if the medication would ruin their gluten-free regimen. The Gluten in Medicine Disclosure Act protects the needs of the gluten-free community, and their right to have access to gluten-free medication.
Although the act will not reach a conclusion before the year ends, the drafting and support the act has received was a huge step towards gluten-free labeling for medication.
2013 has been an exciting year for the gluten-free world, and we hope that this momentum will carry over into the next year. Every day gluten-free diets are becoming more manageable, thanks in part to the growing understanding and acceptance on a national level. Are there any major stories we missed? What were some other huge stories in gluten-free news this past year?
Leave a comment