Look for a gluten-free certification label

Gluten-free claims on food packaging are governed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten must be present in a product for it to be labeled as gluten-free according to the FDA standard. Similar rules apply to food products marked as gluten-free in the European Union (EU).

The establishment of gluten-free certificates for food manufacturers is another development by many third-party organizations. These are additional certifications, and the food item must still comply with legal requirements. The Certified Gluten-Free label, for instance, was developed by the Gluten Intolerance Group and requires for products to have a gluten content of 10 ppm or below. For this organization, annual inspections and ongoing testing are necessary to ensure compliance.