How Much Gluten Should Be Allowed in Products Labeled “Gluten-Free?”
How Much Gluten Should Be Allowed in Products Labeled “Gluten-Free?” Monday February 23, 2009 In January the European Union ruled to.lower the allowable level of gluten in products labeled “gluten-free” from 200 parts per million (ppm), to 20 parts per million. Nancy Lapid, About.com Guide to Celiac Disease explains exactly what parts per million means. In essence, Nancy explains, “If a product has 20 ppm of gluten, that would mean it contains 20 milligrams of gluten (about 7 thousandths of an ounce, or 0.0007 ounces) per kilogram (2.2 pounds) or per liter.” The FDA has proposed, but has yet to rule on a 20 ppm limit for food labeled “gluten-free” in the United States. The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America, certifies foods “gluten-free” when a food contains 10 ppm or less gluten. According to the GFCO, “The mark assures that the product
