2015 Gluten Free List released
Coeliac Australia has introduced a new logo for it’s gluten free endorsed foods. The new logo was introduced in May 2015 and includes the words “Gluten Free”. This is only allowed after the change to the Food Standard Code in the new edition. The crossed grains, which are internationally recognised as showing gluten free, are still part of the new logo.
The 2015 list of endorsed foods has also just been released by Coeliac Australia. The list is intended to give Coeliacs a list of foods which are assured to be gluten free and safe for consumption.
Manufacturers of the foods on the list are entitled to use the logo on their labels as long as the products comply with the following;
- Have no detectable gluten by the criteria set out by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). Prior to changes in Standard 1.2.7 of the Food Standards Code, a certification logo could not contain the name of a disease or serious health ailment.
- Are tested for gluten traces every year and can be randomly audited
- Are Independently approved
- Support those who eat a gluten free diet.
The July 2015 list can be found at http://www.coeliac.org.au/crossed-grain-logo/.
If a company would like to apply for endorsement as gluten free by Coeliac Australia, the following guidelines must be met;
- Food products must be tested to have no detectable gluten.
- The product must have multiple ingredients and/or be processed. This means single ingredient unprocessed foods are not endorsed.
- Not contain Oats or Malted Barley (in line with FSANZ)
- Not have a Cross Contact Statement
- Be packaged and sealed for sale
- Have a Nutritional Information Panel and complete ingredient list (on the product packaging or at point of purchase)
- Each food product is subject to laboratory testing annually at the cost of the manufacturer.
- Acceptance is at the discretion of Coeliac Australia.
Rachelle Williams, The Green Food Safety Coach.