“This Product is Certified Gluten-free” is a seal of assurance that a product has met the highest quality standards to ensure that it is “gluten-free.” The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) has partnered with Quality Assurance International (QIA) to provide a reliable certification program. Products that bear this seal are products that are safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Products with this seal are certified to contain under 10 parts per million (10 ppm) of gluten which generally accepted to be safe according to medical studies.  Some researchers have stated that some people with celiac disease can handle up to 20 ppm, and the World Health Organization also agrees with this standard. The Food and Drug Administration has also proposed the 20 ppm limit for product to be gluten-free.

What does it mean to the Consumer?

The primary reason is to keep people with gluten intolerance safe. Having this seal on the product will mean that the product has gone under a complete certification process. A product can only be gluten-free if the manufacturing facilities have been inspected and found to be allergen free. Also the product must contain less than 10 ppm of gluten.

This “Gluten-free certification” program has chosen to certify all products that are at the safest level (under 10 ppm). This certification will protect the health of individuals with highly sensitivity to gluten.

Who is Quality Assurance International (QIA)?

This is a reputable company in business for over 65 years testing and certifying products in the natural and organic industry. Manufacturers that decide to have their products certified by Quality Assurance International ( QAI ) have the benefit of third party verification.

There is a 5-step process for manufacturers who wish to certify their gluten-free products. It will include Product review, Onsite Inspection, Testing, Certification, and Ongoing Compliance. In order for a product to be compliant every year, there are annual inspections and product testing to ensure that the product is safe and is under the normal regulations to be gluten-free.

For more information on this certification visit the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) link:  http://www.celiaccentral.org/gluten-free-certification/