On May 4th in Washington, D.C. leading members of the gluten-free community will host Capitol Hill legislators, noted celiac disease researchers, gluten-free community leaders and food corporations to the first Gluten Free Food Labeling Summit. 1 in 133 is a day when all can come together and drive home the importance of establishing standards for gluten-free labeling in the U.S.
Coinciding with the newly recognized National Celiac Awareness Month, the event will feature the creation of the world's largest gluten-free cake – symbolizing the big deal that clear, accurate, reliable labeling plays in the lives of people dependent on labeling for their health. Jules Shepard will be one of the main builders of the 12-foot tall cake that will be constructed during the event. Supporters on hand are invited to help with the frosting of the giant cake.
Back in 2007, the Food Allergen labeling and consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) tasked The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to define gluten free and establish labeling guidelines. Canada has CODEX Alimentarius, which has set gluten-free labeling standards. Meanwhile, four years have gone by and we do not have an enforceable standard in the U.S. This means companies can apply the word 'gluten free' to their packaging without having to meet a standard, so it can mean anything. To the millions of Americans who eat gluten-free food, this inaction is a big deal.
The 1 in 133 event is the brainchild of Jules Shepard, noted gluten-free author, baking expert and celiac community advocate, and John Forberger, a winning gluten-free triathlete and active blogger. Event sponsors include Whole Foods Market, The University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research, The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center, the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America and others. Event coordination is contributed by Aaron E Flores, Executive Chef, Embassy Suites D.C. Convention Center and Aleatra Jones, Executive Chef, “Eat What I Want Hospitality!”
Those in the gluten-free community who may not be able to attend the event can get involved in a number of ways: making a donation, signing the online petition and sending a letter to the FDA. For you bloggers out there you can even place the event's logo on your site.
This event is open to the entire gluten-free community. Remember, we are one community working together for a common goal of raising awareness and establishing standards for gluten-free food labeling in the U.S.
Article Courtesy: Jennifer Harris
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