As we all know, the FDA has done virtually nothing to implement the final requirement of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004. Since they are so far overdue in fulfilling their obligations, a couple of senators have asked for details explaining the reasons for their delay:
“The regulatory uncertainty surrounding FDA’s inaction has led to a proliferation of ‘gluten free’ standards and labels provided by 3rd party groups,” the senators wrote. “This creates confusion for consumers, and hesitancy amongst producers on what their requirements will be. We ask that you provide us with an update on when FDA will promulgate a final rule, why FDA has taken so long to issue this rule, and if there are any legal or regulatory hurdles that have prevented the timely implementation of this legislation.”
If we were pharmaceutical companies, the FDA would have addressed our needs years ago, but since we're only taxpayers with food-sensitivity issues . . .
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
That's great - and you're so right, if this were a little regulation regarding "saying bad things about statins out loud" - I'd be in a heap of trouble and against the rules
Good finds - thanks for sharing. At the incredible rate of increase in food sensitivities, this would seem like a no-brainer (and luckily, there's a lot of no-brain potential at the FDA!)
They waited far too long and now there is a big mess. If they require testing of foods for gluten ppm (and they should) we know that many current foods labeled GF would fail the test. Many foods now labeled GF are not from dedicated GF facilities and contamination is highly likely. Maybe the FDA is now in bed with food industry/lobbyists who don't want to be required to test their foods. Gluten free products have exploded onto the market and are very profitable. Now why would we want to mess with that???
Mary Beth
"If you believe it will work out, you'll see opportunities. If you believe it won't you will see obstacles." - Dr. Wayne Dyer
I think you're right. It's going to be pretty tough to make any worthwhile changes, without a huge uproar from the food industry. The FDA will probably end up making a few cosmetic changes, (the old treat-the-symptoms, but not the disease, routine), but I'll be surprised if they put any teeth into their final regulations, and if they should do that, they aren't likely to enforce them. IOW, it'll be business as usual, for the FDA.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
I noticed that the press release is from Senator Ron Wyden, who is my senator from Oregon. From what I can tell, he is one of the few "good guys" in Washington, who tries to do what is best for his constituents and the country, and not in the pocket of lobbyists. I wish there were more like him........
Rosie
Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time………Thomas Edison
