Gluten-free manufacturers do you know about the FDA’s Reportable Food Registry?

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 1, 2018

Gluten Free Watchdog Bark, Post # 1

Gluten-free manufacturers do you know about the FDA’s Reportable Food Registry?

To refresh your memory, you can read all about it at https://www.fda.gov/food/guidanceregulation/guidancedocumentsregulatoryinformation/rfr/ucm180761.htm

And you can report a problem at https://www.fda.gov/Food/ComplianceEnforcement/RFR/default.htm

A few important points taken directly from the FDA Q&A document:

What is a “reportable food?

A “reportable food” is an article of food (other than dietary supplements or infant formula) for which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, such article of food will cause serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals.

What are some circumstances under which food might be reportable?

Ice cream that did not declare peanut-derived ingredients but contained peanut butter as an ingredient.

Tricia’s note: Manufacturers, you can substitute any of the major allergens for peanuts in the above sentence, including wheat. 

When is a responsible party required to report an instance of reportable food to FDA?

A responsible party is required to submit a report to FDA through the Reportable Food electronic portal as soon as practicable, but in no case later than 24 hours after determining that an article of food is a reportable food.

Tricia’s note: Manufacturers, when you make the decision to label your products gluten-free you take on the responsibility of ensuring to the best of your ability that your products are safe for people with gluten-related disorders. When there is a possibility of a production error your response must be guided by concern for the community—a community that includes many folks with a serious autoimmune disease. This community can be very forgiving but only when you act responsibly by putting their health first.