The celiac and gluten free community has been abuzz with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) re-opening of the comment period for their proposed gluten-free labeling regulations, which is extended through October 3, 2011. It is certainly exciting to see this movement after nearly three years of inaction since the FDA was intended to set a standard definition of gluten-free.
When the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) first learned that the FDA would be re-opening the comment period, they, along with other key stakeholders in the celiac and gluten-free community, knew that it would be important to submit comments and suggestions in unison. They also knew that it would be important to arm the patient and consumer communities with the resources necessary for them to make an informed decision.
The NFCA is pleased to present this type of unified response to the FDA via 1in133.org, a gluten-free consumer advocacy site. As many of you already know, 1in133.org was developed by members of the celiac community and launched in May specifically to address the FDA’s inaction on gluten-free labeling. During this year’s Celiac Awareness Month, the co-founders of 1in133.org held a special event in Washington, DC in an effort to get the labeling regulation moving. It certainly has helped.
They are confident that this joint community effort will come through again, which is why they you to join NFCA and others in the celiac and gluten-free community in signing 1in133.org's Gluten-Free Labeling Proposal Letter.
When the letter is delivered to the FDA, it will include all signatures and will cite all organizations who participated in the advocacy measure. When you complete the form, there is a place to identify your organization. Feel free to enter National Foundation for Celiac Awareness. NFCA will stay intimately involved with this FDA process and post updates when there is news to share.
Also, at www.1in133.org, you will find FAQs and other helpful resources to arm you with the knowledge necessary to join this movement. Please take the time to read these materials and sign this important letter urging the FDA to establish a ruling on gluten-free labeling.
Make your voice be heard in this united community effort and please help spread the word. Thank-you.
How Does Prevalence of Celiac Disease Compare?
- Gluten Sensitivity - 18 Million Americans
- Celiac Diseases - 3 Million Americans
- Autism - 554,000 Americans
- Chron's Disease - 500,000 Americans
- Cystic Fibrosis - 30,000 Americans
- Down Syndrome - 350,000 Americans (42,000 of those also have Celiac Disease)
- Epilepsy - 2.7 Million Americans
- Hemophilia - 17,000 Americans
- Infertility (unexplained) - 610,000 American women (36,600 of those also have Celiac Disease)
- Lupus - 1.5 Million Americans
- Multiple Sclerosis - 400,000 Americans
- Parkinson's Disease - 1 Million Americans
- Rheumatoid Arthritis - 2.1 Million Americans
- Type 1 Diabetes - 3 Million Americans (180,000 of those diagnosed also have Celiac Disease)
- Ulcerative Colitis - 500,000 Americans
I urge everyone to get tested for gluten intolerance and celiac disease. See your nature path or GI doctor.
No comments:
Post a Comment