Jane Anderson, our Guide to Celiac Disease recently posted a great article that explains why the term "gluten-free," even when it appears on the label of cookies you just bought, really is not an assurance that the cookies are 100% free of gluten. According to Jane, "Unless precisely defined, the term "gluten-free" is misleading."
The FDA has yet to establish guidelines for gluten-free labeling. When they do, the amount of gluten allowed in "gluten-free" products may be set at less than 20 "parts per million." This is the amount of gluten allowed in products labeled gluten-free both in Canada and European Union countries.
Parts per million gluten is the measurable amount of gluten allowed in gluten-free products.
Does this mean that when your child eats a gluten-free cookie that contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten that it's perfectly safe? Not necessarily. Learn more about what gluten-free really means, labeling guidelines and how "parts per million" may affect how you or your child reacts to a gluten-free product.
Suggested Reading:
- What Does Parts Per Million Mean?
- Gluten PPM Table Reference
- Study Finds Gluten Contamination in GF Grains and Flours
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