Official Communications from GFCO, your gluten-free certifier.
GFCO is a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group.
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Happy New Year!
As we move into 2022, GFCO is improving it’s communication by issuing monthly newsletters. We want to ensure that you receive the important information you need, when you need it. Be sure to watch for the new GFCO monthly newsletter for a quick read that includes industry news, key reminders, important certification updates and more.
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CERTIFICATION UPDATES AND REMINDERS |
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Public Product List: Beginning this month, all products will be listed on the public product list, unless the product has not yet been launched for sale, or is an in-process product that is not sold to industry or retail. Products will appear exactly as they are listed on your certificate, so please review your certificate to make sure your product names are complete and accurate. If there are any changes, please submit an updated Product & Ingredient (P&I) list to your client service representative, or to [email protected].
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Testing records for Quarter 4 of 2021 were due on January 10. Please submit your testing data to [email protected] if you have not done so already.
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We need your feedback: If you participated in the 2021 GFCO Proficiency Testing round, or even if you didn’t, we would love to have your feedback on our proficiency testing program. Please click here to take a survey and let us know what you think.
- The oat supply shortage is affecting some of the companies that make certified products. As a consumer-safety certification, GFCO cannot adjust its threshold of 10 ppm in ingredients and finished products to accommodate this issue. But we do want to help our clients find safe, gluten-free oats. If you are a supplier of gluten-free oats that meet the GFCO standard and have additional supply, or if you are a manufacturer in need of gluten-fee oats, please contact [email protected].
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Supply chain issues are continuing, affecting everything from oats to vegetable oils to packaging. There are multiple reasons why these shortages are occurring, and with no definitive end in sight, the FDA’s “Temporary Policy Regarding Certain Food Labeling Requirements During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: Minor Formulation Changes and Vending Machines” is still in effect. This ruling allows manufacturers to make “minor formula adjustments” without modifying the labeling on their packaging. We want to remind GFCO product manufacturers that, despite this guidance from the FDA, any type of ingredient change in a GFCO certified product must be submitted for review and approval on a P&I template. This will help you reduce risk.
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Test kits manufacturers Neogen and 3M, have announced a plan to execute a merger of their food safety businesses later this year – read more about it here.
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The FDA’s ruling on gluten-free labeling of fermented and hydrolyzed foods required compliance by 8/13/2021. Make sure you have reviewed your products for any fermented or hydrolyzed ingredients or components, to align with the FDA ruling. GFCO will continue to ask for documentation on fermented and hydrolyzed ingredients including yeast, enzymes, cultures, probiotics, and anything labeled as fermented or hydrolyzed, including modified starches.
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Expo West is coming soon. Come see our educational presentation “Gluten-free Matters: Insights into the gluten-free market and motivators for its consumers” on Wednesday, March 9th from 11:30am-12:30 pm in the Marriott. Then visit us in Hall A Booth #1041 Thursday, March 10th – Saturday, March 12th.
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GET FEATURED IN OUR EXPO WEST BOOTH! |
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GIG is proud to offer shelf space in the GFCO Expo West booth to brands partners who commit to supporting our efforts to address food insecurity. A section of our backlit shelf space (a $1500 value) can be yours, with your commitment to a donation of 100 or more shelf stable products. Donations will be used in care packages sent to individuals and families in need. Financial sponsorships may also qualify. Click YES to receive more information.
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Interested in Shelf Space: Expo West?
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