It’s been 4 years since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was tasked to define “gluten-free,” and so far, no definitive standard has been established. Now, celiac and gluten-free advocates are coming together to herald the urgent need for proper labeling of gluten-free food.

Led by NFCA Athlete for Awareness John Forberger, better known in the Twitter community as GlutenFreeTri, and Jules Shepard of Jules Gluten-Free, the first Gluten-Free Food Labeling Summit will be held on May 4, 2011 in Washington, DC. The event will bring together legislators, researchers, manufacturers and advocates who support celiac and gluten-free needs as they call upon the FDA to make gluten labeling a priority.

At the Summit, a towering gluten-free cake – the world’s largest, according to the event website – will be on display to symbolize the “big deal” that proper labeling plays in the daily lives of those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance.

The event will also unveil a petition calling upon the FDA to set a standard for “gluten-free.” Individuals are invited to sign the petition by completing a form at 1in133.org.

NFCA is supporting the cause and will continue to deliver information about this event as it nears. Watch for more Celiac Awareness Month activities in NFCA’s April e-newsletter, with full coverage on beyondceliac.orgstarting May 1.

Related Content:

• Upcoming Events: Gluten-Free Food Labeling Summit
• Defining “Gluten-Free”: What’s the Deal at FDA?