The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently posted information about a company out of New York initiating a voluntarily nationwide recall of multiple lots of a dietary supplement. The supplement, designed to promote insulin sensitivity and to support healthy glucose levels, is labeled as gluten free; however, it was discovered that a raw material that is normally gluten free tested positive for gluten.

Gluten is a protein that occurs naturally in wheat, rye, barley and crossbreeds of these grains. Foods that typically contain gluten include breads, cakes, cereals, pastas and many other grain-based products. Since 2014, FDA has required that claims on food labels that a food contains no gluten meet a clear standard that assures consumers that “gluten free” claims on products will be truthful and consistent. The gluten free labeling regulation gives consumers a standardized tool for managing their health and dietary intake. This is especially important for those with celiac disease, an auto-immune reaction to eating gluten.

“For the estimated 3 million Americans that suffer from celiac disease, consuming gluten can cause damage to the lining of the small intestine which prevents absorption of vital nutrients,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “This can cause deficiencies that can lead to serious conditions, including anemia, osteoporosis, diabetes, thyroid disease and intestinal cancers.”

While “gluten free” is a voluntary claim that manufacturers may choose to use in the labeling of their products, FDA's gluten free food labeling rule specifies what the claim actually means on a label. Helping manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, regulators and health professionals identify gluten are the dietary supplement, food and beverage testing experts at EMSL Analytical, Inc. Their food scientists provide gluten (gliadin) testing services to identify these proteins in finished products and raw ingredients. They also offer a complete range of testing services for food allergens, pesticides and microbial contaminants, along with other food labeling services.

To learn more about food testing and labeling services, please visit: www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC's, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

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