Gluten-Free Labeling Update

6:45am, October 30, 2012: I wrote this post yesterday before things got really bad here in NYC. I am devastated as I wake up this morning and see the reports of what Hurricane Sandy has done to NYC, Long Island, and all up and down the East Coast. I am ok, but waiting to see what daylight brings. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by Sandy. More updates to come, but for now here is my post from yesterday. 

While I am sitting here in the middle of Hurricane Sandy, I received an email that actually made me smile. This is an email from not one, but FOUR national Celiac associations in the United States. I think an email like this is unprecedented. All four major Celiac organizations are urging you to sign the petition to help urge the government to complete the gluten-free food labeling rules. The deadline for this petition is this THURSDAY!! If you have not signed this petition yet, I encourage you to do so. If not for me, then do it for yourself. Thank you to the four national Celiac associations that are helping to spread the word about this labeling law.

Dear Friends, 

In 2004, the historic Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) was passed, making life significantly easier for individuals with food allergies to manage their potentially life-threatening health condition. The celiac disease community worked for those requirements understanding that the benefits would flow to them as well. 

Today, only one provision of FALCPA remains to be implemented - setting a standard for gluten-free food labeling rules. 

To help educate decision-makers about the need for this standard, the celiac disease community is taking advantage of a new forum to make sure its voice is heard loud and clear. 

A "We the People" petition was launched earlier this month, urging government officials to complete the gluten-free food labeling rules. Located on the White House website, it has already garnered 16,000 signatures, and officials will be required to respond if 25,000 signatures are gathered by Thursday, November 1st. 

We are reaching out to all stakeholders who serve the needs of those with gluten-related disorders, including patients and their families, healthcare providers and gluten-free businesses, to join us in this important effort. By adding your name, you will help to reinforce the strength of our unified voice. We aim for officials to understand that gluten-free labeling rules matter in the lives of thousands of Americans. You can help to support the government in its ruling process by signing the petition today. 

With the storm on the East coast this week, our thoughts and prayers are with our community members who are in emergency conditions. The rest of the national community will redouble efforts to shoulder the petition effort in support, and seek ways to help after the storm. 

We hope that you will take a few minutes to read and sign the petition. Once you have signed your name, we invite you to share the message with others who are committed to ensuring that individuals with celiac disease have safe gluten-free food options. Additional background can be found here.

Thank you in advance for supporting the needs of the gluten-free community and helping its members achieve optimal health.

Best,
National Foundation for Celiac AwarenessAmerican Celiac Disease AllianceCeliac Disease FoundationGluten Intolerance Group