Gluten Free

What is it?

Gluten is a general name given to the storage proteins (prolamins) present in wheat, rye, barley, and oats. The specific names of the cereal prolamins that are toxic in celiac disease (CD) are gliadin in wheat, secalin in rye, hordein in barley, and avenin in oats. The storage proteins of corn and rice do not contain the toxic cereal prolamins and are not harmful to individuals with CD.
In baked goods gluten gives bread its elasticity, assists in “leavening” and contributes in the chewiness in bagels for example.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac Disease is an inflammatory bowl disease in which an individual is sensitive to gluten. Anyone with Celiac Disease must follow a gluten free diet.

What is a gluten free ( GF) diet?

A Gluten Free ( GF) diet eliminates all foods containing the grass related grains: wheat, rye, barley, and commercial oats.
Careful review of ingredient lists on food and drug labels to determine if gluten-containing ingredients are present is important. Any product entering the digestive system must be gluten free. The food manufacturer can be contacted for product information if an ingredient list is not available. Because many additives, stabilizers, and preservatives may contain gluten, it is best to check with each manufacturer for clarification.

In addition, some medications, toothpastes, and mouthwashes may contain gluten. Individuals should be advised to check with their physician or pharmacist before taking any prescribed or over-the-counter medications. The Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties (CPS) contains a list of pharmaceutical manufacturers that do not use gluten as an excipient.

What are the regulations or standards in the food industry in Canad to ensure that food choices are gluten free?

Gluten-Free Food & Products
In recognition of there being no clear Canadian legislation with regards to defining gluten-free food products, the Canadian Celiac Association is currently partnering with QMI-SAI Global to provide annual audits and certify products are manufactured with gluten-free ingredients and produced in gluten-free facilities.

Two food safety standards and registrations are in development with CCA and they are intended for organizations wishing to demonstrate their commitment and assurances to consistently deliver a safe food for consumption by those requiring a gluten-free diet.
The definitions will include:
PAVENA™ is a trademark program used to identify “pure uncontaminated oats” which have the potential for inclusion in the diet of some celiac patients. Products may include rolled oats, pancake mixes and muffin mixes. It is based on the premise of growing pure oats in a manner that eliminates the contamination by offending materials, such as wheat or barley and manages the product throughout the chain of custody, during preparation. PAVENA ™ standards are owned by the CCA. Only oats designated from inception may be certified as PAVENA ™ and only products utilizing certified designated PAVENA™ product may use the term or bear the logo on the packaging of finished product.

Gluten Free Certification Program
The CCA GF Certification Program can be used for single products, or full line manufacturers. It can be used for single line, entire manufacturing site, or extended to an entire operation in multiple sites. The certification scope is facility based not a brand or corporate designation. The audit process will evaluate the product, design, applicability to the program; as well as the ability to adhere to the programs and practices required to maintain integrity. The certification audit will evaluate both point in time application and use of specific and general best practices with a food safety management system, consistent with the standard.

What are some gluten free manufacturers?

Canadian Retailers & Food Distributors & Manufacturers

Grocery stores and food distributors nationwide are responding to the skyrocketing demand for gluten-free products by lining their store shelves with new and tasty items! Most locations of the following supermarkets have dedicated gluten-free aisles that will help you easily identify products that are safe for a gluten-free diet.

Food Product Manufacturers