Thanks to the efforts of the American Celiac Task Force and other supportive individuals and groups the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) was passed by the House of Representatives on July 20, 2004. The measure was signed into law by President Bush on August 2, 2004 (Public Law 108-282).

The new law will require:

• food statements to list in plain language, what, if any, of the eight main food allergens (milk, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, Crustacean shellfish, soy, and wheat) are contained in the product;
• allergens to be listed if used in spices, natural or artificial flavorings, additives, and colorings;
• the FDA to examine how best to address the problem of unintentional contamination and cross-contact of foods, and determine the best way to inform consumers with food allergies about the risk of cross-contact; and
• the Secretary of HHS to establish rules (by August 2, 2008) for the voluntary labeling of products as "gluten-free."

This law will truly help those with Celiac and those with other intolerances identify the contents of packaged products with much more ease. Again, we thank all of those who made this momentous step for gluten intolerance become a reality.

For more information please contact the American Celiac Task Force or the Center for Celiac Research at http://www.celiaccenter.org/taskforce.asp.

- Glutenfreeda