At present, there is no known cure for persons suffering from celiac/coeliac disease or non-celiac/coeliac gluten sensitivity or intolerance, nor does there seem to be a solution in the near future. The only option for most is a strict gluten-free diet, since recent scientific studies indicate avoidance of gluten is not enough. Only a STRICT gluten-free diet is acceptable.
With so many people impacted by gluten related allergies, it is important to have a recognized program in place that will provide consumers assurance that the foods they eat will not adversely affect their health.
Our Gluten-Free audits and verification services ensure manufacturers comply with the requirements of an internationally recognized standard.
The Gluten-Free Certification Program, (GFCP), is the leading science-based certification program for brand owners wishing to make a safe and reliable gluten-free product claim and is focused exclusively on annual certification of a site's internal manufacturing and gluten management system to complement end-product testing. GFCP provides unique gluten-free brand building opportunities in partnership with North America's most credible consumer-facing celiac organizations, Beyond Celiac in the USA and the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) in Canada.
WHAT IS CELIAC DISEASE?
- Serious genetic autoimmune disease
- Triggered by consumption of gluten
- Immune system attacks lining of the small intestine, affecting absorption of nutrients
- Left untreated, can develop further complications:
- Other Autoimmune Diseases
- Osteoporosis
- Metabolic and Neurological Disorders
- Thyroid Disease
- Cancer
(resource: ACG, Inc.)
GFCP PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
The GFCP is a holistic approach which considers every procedure, technology and tool applied in the gluten - free management system, which the supplier facility must have in place and is audited against annually
- Management Commitment
- Prerequisite Programs
- Ingredient Supplier Approval
- End Product Food Safety Outcome
- Employee Education & Training
- Sources of Gluten & Control
- Traceability System
- Product Label Review
- Cross - Contamination Management & Control
- HACCP Principles, Policies & Procedures
- System Verification
- Validation
- Gluten Sanitation & Product Testing
- System Review Update
- Internal Audits of the GFMS
- Gluten-Free Risk Assessment
(resource ACG, INC.)
STRENGTHS & BENEFITS FOR SUPPLIERS
• Certification for dedicated or non - dedicated supplier facilities
• Operational efficiencies (combined audits)
• Reduced testing costs
• Reduced likelihood of recall (brand protection)
• Expands potential for new business via listing in GFCP Facility Directory
• Promotes Corporate Social Responsibility