Food Labeling Modernization Act (FLMA) of 2021
The Food Labeling Modernization Act (FLMA) of 2021 was introduced on August 3 by representatives Pallone and DeLauro, and Senators Blumenthal, Whitehouse, and Markey into the House and Senate (H.R. 4917/S.2594). Pertinent to the gluten-free community, the FLMA addresses the following:
- The current Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act does not require gluten to be disclosed on the label. Currently, only wheat is required to be disclosed per the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), however barley and rye are not included.
- This legislation will require disclosure of all gluten-containing grains (wheat, barley, and rye) in the ingredient list and/or “Contains” statement on ingredient labels to protect people with celiac disease and gluten-related disorders.
- This labeling will allow concerned consumers to know, for example, that the malt syrup in their food contains barley, or if questionable ingredients like natural flavoring contain barley.
More Information about FLMA
View this webinar from CSPI about FLMA. (This is set to begin with the presentation on the portion of the FLMA that applies to celiac disease; please feel free to watch the entire webinar.)
Click here for an information sheet about H.R. 4917.
Click here for an information sheet about S. 2594.
Some infographics about FLMA:
Celiac Disease Caucus
Representative Betty McCollum officially launched the bipartisan House Celiac Disease Caucus by circulating a Dear Colleague letter requesting House members to join.
Rep. McCollum has celiac disease and has been a driving force in compelling the NIH to fund celiac disease research for the past two years.
The strength of this Caucus will be instrumental in securing NIH funding and legislation to improve the quality of life of those with celiac disease.
We urge you to ask your Members of Congress to add their names to the growing list of Celiac Disease Caucus members. Feel free to use any portion of this letter (click here to download the letter) in your message to your Members of Congress. Click below for an easy way to contact your local Members of Congress.
