Gluten-Free Certification

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At present, there is no known cure for persons suffering from celiac/coeliac disease or non-celiac/coeliac gluten sensitivity or intolerance, nor does there seem to be a solution in the near future. The only option for most is a strict gluten-free diet, since recent scientific studies indicate avoidance of gluten is not enough. Only a STRICT gluten-free diet is acceptable.

With so many people impacted by gluten related allergies, it is important to have a recognized program in place that will provide consumers assurance that the foods they eat will not adversely affect their health.

Our Gluten-Free audits and verification services ensure manufacturers comply with the requirements of an internationally recognized standard.

The Gluten-Free Certification Program, (GFCP), is the leading science-based certification program for brand owners wishing to make a safe and reliable gluten-free product claim and is focused exclusively on annual certification of a site's internal manufacturing and gluten management system to complement end-product testing. GFCP provides unique gluten-free brand building opportunities in partnership with North America's most credible consumer-facing celiac organizations, Beyond Celiac in the USA and the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) in Canada.

   

WHAT IS CELIAC DISEASE?

  • Serious genetic autoimmune disease
  • Triggered by consumption of gluten
  • Immune system attacks lining of the small intestine, affecting absorption of nutrients
  • Left untreated, can develop further complications:
  • Other Autoimmune Diseases
  • Osteoporosis
  • Metabolic and Neurological Disorders
  • Thyroid Disease
  • Cancer
(resource: ACG, Inc.)

  

GFCP PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The GFCP is a holistic approach which considers every procedure, technology and tool applied in the gluten - free management system, which the supplier facility must have in place and is audited against annually

  • Management Commitment
  • Prerequisite Programs
  • Ingredient Supplier Approval
  • End Product Food Safety Outcome
  • Employee Education & Training
  • Sources of Gluten & Control
  • Traceability System
  • Product Label Review
  • Cross - Contamination Management & Control
  • HACCP Principles, Policies & Procedures
  • System Verification
  • Validation
  • Gluten Sanitation & Product Testing
  • System Review Update
  • Internal Audits of the GFMS
  • Gluten-Free Risk Assessment
(resource ACG, INC.)

STRENGTHS & BENEFITS FOR SUPPLIERS

 • Certification for dedicated or non - dedicated supplier facilities

• Operational efficiencies (combined audits)

• Reduced testing costs

• Reduced likelihood of recall (brand protection)

• Expands potential for new business via listing in GFCP Facility Directory

• Promotes Corporate Social Responsibility

(resource: ACG, Inc.)