View source

'''Celiac-O-Pedia - Celiac Resources'''

==  Gluten Intolerance Group of North America (GIG)==
The mission of the [http://www.gluten.net/ GIG] is to provide support to persons with gluten intolerances, including celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, and other gluten sensitivities, in order to live healthy lives. GIG Branches help to fulfill GIG's mission on a local and regional level through programs tailored to their community.

The vision of the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America is one of mutual support, acceptance, and respect for all persons living with gluten intolerances and working with this community. GIG envisions a united gluten intolerant community in which all persons feel they are healthy, are positively nurtured to live life to the fullest, and are involved and contributing citizens. 


==  Gluten-Free Restaurants ==
The [http://www.glutenfreerestaurants.org/ Gluten-Free Restaurant Awareness Program] facilitates the relationship between individuals with celiac disease and individually owned and operated restaurants that understand their dietary needs. Participating restaurants are able to prepare GF meals in addition to their regular meals.

== Gluten-Free Warehouse ==
[http://www.glutenfreewarehouse.com Gluten-Free Warehouse] supplies gluten-free foods and bulk ingredients to stores, restaurants, bakeries, and institutional food service clients throughout the United States.


== FDA Proposed Definition for Gluten Free ==
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering adopting a standard of 20 parts per million (ppm) gluten content as the US standard for foods to be identified as "gluten free." Additional information about the rule-making process can be found on the [http://www.fda.gov FDA website].


==  Codex Alimentarius ==
The [http://www.codexalimentarius.net/web/index_en.jsp Codex Alimentarius Commission] was created in 1963 by the United Nations Food &amp; Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop food standards, guidelines and related texts such as codes of practice under the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Program. The main purposes of this program are protecting health of the consumers and ensuring fair trade practices in the food trade, and promoting coordination of all food standards work undertaken by international governmental and non-governmental organizations.


== Codex Alimentarius Definition of Gluten-Free ==
"For the purpose of this standard "gluten-free" means that the total content of gluten in products shall not exceed [20 ppm], that the total content of gluten from wheat, rye, barley, [oats] or crossbred varieties of these does not exceed [200 ppm] in these foodstuffs or ingredients defined on a dry matter basis.  Derivatives of these ingredients, such as wheat flour or wheat starch, would also be prohibited, unless these have been processed to remove the gluten, resulting in the presence of less than 20 micrograms of gluten per gram (20 ppm) of foods.  Products bearing a "gluten-free" claim - or a similar claim - that falls to meet the conditions specified in the proposed definition would be deemed misbranded."


==  The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) ==
The [http://www.celiaccentral.org/ NFCA] is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for Celiac Disease. The Foundation's mission is to raise awareness and funding for celiac disease that will advance research, education and screening, and improve the quality of life of children and adults> affected by this autoimmune disease through grant making and direct programming.