Health Canada Seeks Comments on Gluten-Free Labeling

OTTAWAHealth Canada is seeking input on proposed principles that will guide the revision of gluten-free labeling regulations. Health Canada will receive comments until July 11. The consultation, which is open for comments from May 13-July 11, is intended to help inform the development of the proposed changes.

The Canadian Food and Drug Regulations currently states that: "No person shall label, package, sell or advertise a food in a manner likely to create an impression that it is a gluten-free food unless the food does not contain wheat, including spelt and kamut, or oats, barley, rye or triticale or any part thereof." In addition, "gluten-free" is not permitted on packaged food products containing oats; even if the oats are pure and uncontaminated with other cereals.

Until recently, oats were thought to cause adverse effects in individuals with Celiac disease. However, Health Canada's recent review of the safety of consuming pure oats indicates the majority of people with Celiac disease can tolerate moderate amounts of oats that are pure and uncontaminated with other cereals. Current scientific knowledge also suggests that pure oats can be beneficial to those individuals with Celiac disease who tolerate it, and its palatability and nutritional benefits may increase compliance with a gluten-free diet.