GFCO a program of Gluten Intolerance Group^®

Proficiency Testing

GFCO’s 2026 proficiency testing round, Wheat Gluten in Baking Mixes, is open for sign-ups. Sample requests may be made up until November 30^th, 2026. Samples will be shipped within 2 weeks after we process your payment, and a preliminary report will be issued within 2 weeks after you submit your results. This preliminary report is sufficient to meet GFCO’s requirement 72 for proficiency testing participation.

Compass Ingredient Data 

The October 1^st, 2026, deadline for entering all ingredients into Compass and connecting them to your products is just four months away. The data from Compass will be the sole source for verifying compliance with requirements 33, 34, 41 and 42 of the GFCO certification Standard during annual audits starting in Q4 of this year. Please refer to the GFCO Standard text at the end of the GFCO Manual to see the exact wording of these requirements.

Actions required:

1.   Review the Ingredient records in your Compass account.

2.   Create records for any new or missing Ingredients, including additional suppliers/sources used.

3.   Review and/or Update Product records to ensure they contain the correct list of associated Ingredients from your Ingredient record collection.

Please reach out to gfco.clientsupport@gluten.org if you have any questions about access to, or use of, Compass. GFCO clients that have received an audit prior to Q4, and were cited for points 33, 34, 41 and/or 42 will be directed to resolve through updating Compass, though this will not prevent the closure of the audit report. After Oct 1^st, updates in Compass to correct nonconformance will need to be confirmed and reviewed by GFCO to close the report from the above findings.

FDA Food Allergen Threshold Summary

On May 5^th, the US FDA released a summary of the public meeting and listening sessions that were held February 18-20, 2026. These meetings discussed food allergen thresholds and risk-based approaches to allergen management, including gluten sources. The summary of these meetings, and a link to the electronic comment submissions, can be found here.

Wicked Free Expos

Exhibitor registration is now open for upcoming Wicked Gluten Free Expos! Discover how the new GFCO Pavilion can help your brand reach thousands of gluten-free consumers through sampling, sales, networking, and influencer engagement opportunities. We’re partnering with Wicked Gluten Free Expos to launch the new GFCO Pavilion, putting Certified Gluten-Free products directly in front of thousands of eager consumers. See upcoming expo locations, exhibitor perks, and how to reserve your space.

More Information

Final Opportunity to Support the 2026 Teen Summit

Teen Summit is one of the only leadership experiences in the country designed specifically for gluten-free teens, helping them build confidence, independence, and connection in a fully gluten-free environment. We want your company to have the ability to be in front of and involved with these future leaders.

If your company is interested in being part of Teen Summit 2026, now is the time to take that step, as this sponsorship opportunity is coming to an end on June 30th.

To see what sponsorship opportunities you can participate in, please click here and become a sponsor today!

Please contact Devyn at Devyn.Quinn@gluten.org for any questions!



Gluten-Free Brands Invited to Partner with GIG Cares’ Cutting Costs Program

GIG Cares is seeking gluten-free brand partners for its national monthly Cutting Costs subscription box program. Upcoming July boxes are scheduled for fulfillment the week of July 15.

The program introduces gluten-free consumers to high-quality products while directly helping fund free Cutting Costs boxes for individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. Consumers purchase curated gluten-free boxes for $50 per month, and proceeds help GIG Cares provide free food boxes to families in need.

GIG Cares is currently looking to purchase shelf-stable gluten-free products at wholesale or discounted pricing for inclusion in future subscription boxes. Participating brands receive:

• Direct exposure to a highly targeted gluten-free audience
• Product sampling opportunities that support brand awareness and consumer trial
• Recognition through GIG Cares social media channels
• Alignment with a mission-driven national nonprofit program

Product donations are also welcome and help extend the program’s impact. Companies interested in learning more about partnership opportunities are encouraged to contact Boxes@GIGCares.org.