Europe modifies gluten-free standards

Glorious raindrops are falling on my head...sort of. I'm staring out my office window (taking a little break from work)to see the rain that's finally falling, and it's a wonderful sight...ohhhh the smell of rain and fresh air. It definitely renews the senses and the spirit.

I love rain.

I also love Europe and eating gluten-free on that Continent, and have just learned today, thanks to a new colleague I'm working with in the gluten-free world, that Europe or the UK specifically, have established new rules for gluten free food. Right on the heels of learning there were no mechanisms in place for labeling and monitoring the gluten-free labels in Europe, comes this report......The new guidelines will follow the United States Allergen guidlines that 20 parts per million of gluten is considered gluten-free.

Have you ever wondered how much is 20 parts per million? Imagine a basketball court covered with 999,980 grains of sand. If you add 20 more grains of sand, you’ve got it.

Though the packaging of all GF foods in Europe/UK aren't required to go into effect until January of 2012, those manufacturers who are ready can begin using the new labeling system immediately - giving Celiacs who travel to Europe (and live there, of course) even more peace of mind about exactly what they are eating in their gluten-free products.

This kind of news is so important for Celiacs to be aware of - if you have a great story or informative article you would like to share with the world, please send it my way.

I'm going to continue sipping my warm tea now and watching the rain fall...while dreaming of eating gluten-free in some charming cafe in Europe. And to share my favorite quote with you all, since it's such a perfect day for such words..."There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be diminished by a nice cup of tea."

~Bernard Paul Heroux(1900's Basque philosopher)

Be well.

Be informed ~