BRC Global Standards (BRCGS) company have just released the latest issue of the Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP) Global Standard.
In the absence of a cure for coeliac disease and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, a strict gluten-free diet is needed to avoid or minimise adverse reactions. GFCP is a set of voluntary certification Global Standards based on a preventative, science-based approach for managing the safe manufacturing and production of gluten-free products. According to BRCGS, foods coming out of sites and systems certified to the GFCP Global Standard will contain nil, or less than 20ppm detectable gluten, which thereby help consumers to choose the safest products.
The Standard applies only to the control of gluten in the manufacture, processing, and packing of gluten-free products. The scope of the Standard includes processed foods, ingredients for use by food service companies, catering companies, and food manufacturers, pet foods, cosmetics, natural health products and pharmaceuticals.
Issue 3 of the Standard is said to provide increased clarity to service providers and customers, better alignment with international regulations, new practical learnings, and detailed guidance on oats, the grains supply chain, sampling plans and analytical testing.
The GFCP was established with consensus from consumer and industry associations, retailers, manufacturers, and government agencies. In releasing this updated version, BRCGS acknowledges and thanks all the producers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, health professionals, product specialists, and leading coeliac organisations who contributed to its development.
The Allergen Bureau wishes to acknowledge Ms Nerolie Dever, Sanitarium Health & Wellbeing Company, for kindly representing the Allergen Bureau on the development of the new GFCP Global Standard.
A PDF copy of the new Standard can be freely accessed from the BRCGS Bookshop. BRCGS also produces a range of guidance documents, training courses, and a self-assessment tool designed to assist sites with the application of the GFCP Global Standard and provide an understanding of core skills such as risk assessment. Further information about training courses can be found at www.glutenfreecert.com
