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12/12/2007: Gluten-Free Codex Standards - Prepare for Change!
Whilst labelling of many foodborne allergens is covered by legislation, there are no limits set for the levels allowable to name a food allergen-free. This means many products have to be labelled as containing an allergen when the presence may be below the level that causes health risks to consumers.
The only exception to this is gluten, where Codex Alimentarius standards advise a product must contain gluten at no more than 200ppm to be able to name it gluten-free. The standard also details definitions to be used to ensure labelling is consistent and helpful to consumers.
Since the mid 1980's this Codex standard has been under review and this lengthy process is now drawing to a close. Although it has not been in force, many food producers have been working to the maximum 20ppm rule for some time. In a recent conference organised by Coeliac UK, Codex announced the following new standards are likely to come into force during 2008:
- Gluten-free foods - naturally gluten-free products and those which have been specially processed to remove gluten. Gluten level must not exceed 20ppm.
- Foods specially processed to reduce gluten - for example wheat starch from which gluten has been reduced. Gluten level is above 20ppm but no more than 100ppm.
- Products containing gluten at levels above 100ppm will no longer be suitable for gluten-free or reduced-gluten labelling.
At Genon Laboratories Ltd we are UKAS Accredited (no 4149) for our quantitative gluten test which will provide you with the information needed to conform with these new labelling requirements. Test results are turned around within 2 days of sample receipt and considerable multiple sample discounts are available - contact us now to discuss your requirements or download a sample submission form to get started straight away.
Similar standards for other food allergens are anticipated in the future, however experience tells us that from conception to implementation these processes are not completed overnight. Updates will continue to appear on the Genon website so please watch this space!
