Gluten Intolerance News - Gluten-Free Food Labeling Summit

Mark May 4th on your calendars. Prominent members of the up an coming gluten intolerance community will be hosting the first Gluten Free Food Labeling Summit on May 4 in Washington. The goal of the summit is to draw attention to the FDA in delaying the standards for gluten-free food labeling. This event coincides with the recently recognized National Celiac Awareness Month.

This event will attempt create awareness for more clear, accurate and reliable labels for people that suffer from gluten intolerance or other food allergy's. and will feature a challenge to create the world's largest gluten-free cake.

For more information please check out their website at 1in133. The name of the event originates from the fact that 1 in 133 people in the United States suffer from celiac disease.

The 1in133 event will take place at the Embassy Suites Convention Center and will climax with a VIP reception for federal lawmakers, concerned members and friends of the gluten intolerance community and gluten-free food manufacturers.

A List of the Day's Events:

11:00 a.m - 4:30 - Cake Building (all are welcome)
We are developing opportunities to brief staffers on Capitol Hill and meet with individual Congressional Representatives - watch for details.

5 p.m. - 8:30 - VIP Reception (donors & invited guests)
With distinguished speakers, including Dr. Alessio Fasano
Finger Foods by chef extraordinaire Aaron Flores and local restaurants serving gluten-free menu items
(more program details to come)

A Little History...

Seven Years ago the FDA was tasked with developing and implementing standards for gluten-free labeling as part of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA). The mandate for the FDA to develop and then implement correct labeling for gluten-free food was set in 2004 but this is still in limbo. Many people who suffer from celiac disease or gluten intolerance are left asking why they must continue to suffer and be left at risk of illness from contaminated food.

FALCPA was passed to help protect celiac patients (as well as other food allergic individuals) from having to decifer ingredient labels. Most people who recently discover their dietary problem often suffer needlessly when attempting to sort out their diet. This is a game of dietary Russian roulette that causes needless pain and suffering. This law states that the top eight allergens must be listed clearly on and food products, did not require disclosure of rye or barley or the other grains that are toxic for those suffering from gluten intolerance or celiac disease.