Do you know how to report a misbranded gluten-free product to the USDA?

In honor of Celiac Disease Awareness Month 2018,

A series of bites, barks, tail wags, face licks, and pant tugs from Gluten Free Watchdog

May 23, 2018

Gluten Free Watchdog Pant Tug, Post # 23

Does USDA have a gluten-free labeling rule? No. However, USDA has stated that if a manufacturer under their jurisdiction wants to include a gluten-free claim on product packaging, the food must be compliant with the FDA rule.

What foods does USDA regulate? This can be a bit tricky to figure out but in general USDA regulates:

• Meat products
• Poultry products
• Egg products (dried, frozen, or liquid eggs, with or without added ingredients)
• Mixed ingredient food products that contain:
  • More than 3% raw meat
  • 2% or more cooked meat
  • 2% or more cooked poultry

If you have any questions about whether a specific food is regulated by USDA, please contact me.

If you come across a misbranded USDA product:

• Take photos of the label that clearly show:
  • Brand name
  • Product name
  • Manufacturer
  • The size and package type
  • Can or package codes (NOT UPC bar codes) and dates
  • Establishment number (EST) usually found in the mark of inspection but may be ink jetted at the time of packaging. See photo for an example. IT IS CRUCIAL TO PROVIDE THIS NUMBER.
  • Gluten-free claim
  • Ingredients list
• Name and location of the store
• Date that you purchased (or spotted) the product
• Send the photos and information to me (Tricia) at info@glutenfreewatchdog.org
• Contact the USDA 1-888-674-6854
  • This is exceedingly important to do
    • From The Labeling and Program Delivery Staff, USDA, FSIS: “FSIS has a system in place for consumers to report complaints, including labeling concerns, about products under FSIS’ jurisdiction. This centralized reporting system collects all of the relevant information and directs the complaint to the appropriate staff within FSIS.”
      • Website: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/report-a-problem-with-food/report-a-problem-with-food
    • The complaint may be started by telephone or electronically.
      • Call the toll-free (1-888-674-6854) or report the complaint online https://ccms.fsis.usda.gov/ECCF/

Note: For meat products, the establishment number will begin with the letters EST. For poultry products, the establishment number may begin with a P. For egg products, the establishment number may begin with a P or Plant.

If you have any questions, please let me know!