Ep 30 The Gluten Free Certification Program
Let’s start the blog with the Show Notes for this episode:
This week’s conversation is with Paul Valder of The Gluten Free Certification Program. This is the organization that certifies food production facilities to be able to use the round gluten free symbol we are all familiar with on our food labels here in Canada. For more information about the certification program go to:
http://www.glutenfreecert.com/
For information about the program from the Canadian Celiac Association go to:
https://www.celiac.ca/living-gluten-free/gluten-free-certification-program/
For a list of food producers currently certified check on the following directory:
http://www.glutenfreecert.com/consumers/certification-directory
Thanks to this week’s sponsor The Celiac Scene at www.theceliacscene.com
Sue’s Websites and Social Media –
Podcast – acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com
Podcast Blog – acanadianceliacblog.com
Facebook – @acanadianceliacpodcast
Twitter – CeliacPodcastCA
Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com
Baking Website – suesglutenfreebaking.com
Instagram – @suesgfbaking
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL
(search Sues Gluten Free Baking)
Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com
My Thoughts –
The podcast is a great reflection on the Gluten Free Certification Program. You may have seen other symbols, other than the GFCP symbol on your gluten free foods. I referenced in the podcast a “wild west” situation when it comes to gluten free symbols. Let me explain.
In order for a manufacturer to claim their products are gluten free, there must be less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten in the food. Any food producer can make this claim, but they must be able to support the claim if they are ever challenged. The GFCP logo is very recognizable and holds the food producers accountable, but there are other logos, some more official than others.
If a food producer chooses to, they can create their own logo that says gluten free and incorporate it into their labelling. In Canada, we are fortunate to maintain a high standard for food manufacturing, and the gluten free claim is part of that standard. We also have a system for reporting questionable claims on a label through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
A gluten free claim on a label can take different forms, but the essence of the claim is trust. Do you trust the company making the product, or the product itself to be gluten free as claimed. Next time you stroll down the grocery aisle, pay closer attention to the different symbols and logos that tell you a food is gluten free; you will likely be surprised at the variety of symbols all meaning the same thing. I suppose it’s a good thing we breeze past these symbols, that just tells me that we have a strong food industry producing trusted gluten free foods.