Gluten-Free Certification: Consumer FAQs
The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness wants to ensure you understand how our gluten-free certification program works. The following questions and answers explain what is required to earn this gluten-free seal, and how these measures can keep you and your family safe.
What does this gluten-free label mean?
Products bearing this label have completed a rigorous certification process, including on-site inspection and allergen testing, and were found to contain less than 10 parts per million of gluten (10 ppm). Therefore, they are deemed to be gluten-free.
Why 10 ppm?
Research indicates that 20 ppm is a safe level for most people with celiac disease, and the World Health Organization also upholds that standard. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also proposed 20 ppm as the standard limit for gluten-free food.
NFCA is aware that some individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity cannot tolerate products that test at 20 ppm. Therefore, we chose to certify products at 10 ppm and below to meet the needs of consumers who are highly sensitive while making it feasible for manufacturers to meet this standard.
What does the certification process entail?
Manufacturers who wish to certify their gluten-free products will follow a 5-step process:
1. Product Review, including full documentation review and desk audit and Gluten-Free compliance plan (GCP)
2. Onsite Inspection, including an initial inspection to verify practices and annual inspections to maintain certification.
3. Testing, including a random sample test to ensure gluten-free integrity at 10 ppm or less
4. Certification, including authorization to use NFCA/QAI gluten-free mark
5. Ongoing Compliance, including annual inspections and product testing
How is this certification different from other certification programs?
By certifying through QAI, this program carries the benefit of third party verification. QAI has more than 66 years of experience in testing and certification and has a respected reputation in the natural and organic products industry. Inspectors follow rigorous and consistent certification procedures.
How do I ask a manufacturer to get certified?
Send an email or call the product’s consumer hotline. Tell them that on behalf of the 21 million Americans needing a gluten-free diet, you would like them to certify their gluten-free products through NFCA and QAI. Include the link for more information: www.CeliacCentral.org/gluten-free-certification.