Official Communications from GFCO, your gluten-free certifier. GFCO is a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group.

From 6/1 - 9/2, GFCO's offices will be operating Monday through Thursday and closed on Friday.

CERTIFICATION UPDATES AND REMINDERS

UPDATE: The GFCO global certification mark has completed trademark registration in South Korea. Any new packaging designs for products sold in South Korea should display the GFCO logo with the R trademark designation, as shown below: 

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Submit all packaging, advertising and website updates to gfco.branding@gluten.org for review prior to printing or display.

INDUSTRY NEWS SURVEY RESULTS: The April release of an FDA guidance document entitled Evaluating the Public Health Importance of Food Allergens Other Than the Major Food Allergens Listed in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act: Guidance for FDA Staff and Stakeholders leads GFCO to wonder if manufacturers handle gluten control any differently than allergen control in their facilities. In our May newsletter, we included a survey and received the following responses:  In our manufacturing facility:

Overall, 95% of respondents handled gluten and allergen control in largely similar ways in their facilities. 18.2% of respondents stated there were minor differences between their gluten and allergen control programs, with half of those saying that the only difference was that they tested their finished products for gluten. Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey. The survey results largely showed that gluten and allergens are controlled in a very similar fashion by manufacturers. 

MARKETING NEWS

The Gluten Intolerance Group is proud to present the A NIGHT TO CARE gala, benefiting GIG Cares. The event’s goal is to raise funds to expand GIG Cares initiatives that include GIG Cares’ Cutting Costs food relief program, Generation GF programs for gluten-free children and teens, support groups for the gluten-free community and more. All these programs accelerate GIG Cares’ mission to cultivate positive connections in the gluten-free community. Join us August 27, 2022 Historic 1625 - Tacoma Place 1625 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409   This semi-formal event will include a gourmet 4-course dinner plus silent and live auctions, in celebration of dreaming big and changing lives.  Auction items include VIP tickets to a Seattle Mariners game, a NASCAR driving experience, a trip to Iceland and more. The auction will be both in-person and online for those unable to attend. Read our press release to learn more.   Here’s two ways to be a part of the effort: Reserve your table at the event for only $1000 today (includes 8 seats). Donate or sponsor an auction item and receive good will and great brand exposure.

GFCO CONTACTS  Paul Vachris, Program Manager, paul.vachris@gluten.org Laura Allred, Regulatory Manager, laura.allred@gluten.org Testing Submissions — testing@gluten.org Logo Submissions — gfco.branding@gluten.org Positive Results — gfco.alerts@gluten.org